Micah Andrews

progress

2010-11-03T05:21:00.000-07:00

A perfect ten? Practice makes perfect? The perfect storm? What's with the obsession for perfection? I feel sorry for those who deem themselves as perfectionists simply because they may actually believe that they can achieve perfection. Don't get me wrong... I believe in always putting my best foot forward but how many times have you ever really done something perfectly?

The truth is even God is not looking for us to be perfect. He's not looking for perfection, just progress. I think He is looking for us and desires for us to get today just a little better than yesterday. Simple progress.

till death do us part...

2010-11-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

When you give your life to someone else it is a two-part commitment. First of all, you have the initial promise (I do). But it doesn't stop there. In fact it only begins with those first words. That promise must be carried out day after day in order to stay in tact. Even though I told my wife I would love her forever I must be true to that day after day. What began as my initial vow must be carried out each day. In other words, I must act married.

I think the same is true in our salvation as we make a commitment to follow God. It too is a two-part deal. I make that initial promise or request and vow my eternal surrender to my Creator. But that isn't where it stops. In fact it only begins with those first words. That promise must be carried out day after day in order to stay in tact. Even though I told God I would love Him forever I must be true to that day after day. What began as my initial vow must be carried out each day. In other words, I must act redeemed. I must act changed. I must act committed.

All In The Family

2010-10-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

Let it be known that I am a proud daddy. I have been blessed with two amazing daughters that make me laugh, make me cry, make me miss home when I am away and make every day an adventure. This past Saturday we had an awesome family day. Olivia had her last soccer game of the season. They won and finished the season 7-1. But not only did they win this past weekend they won 7-1. Of our 7 goals scored, Olivia scored 5 of them! Amazing. Needless to say I was proud of her. But what I was reminded of is how important it is for her and her sister to know that I am proud of them. I don't ever want their affirmation to come from another man. Not a boyfriend. Not anyone else but me. I bet I told her 20 times how proud I was. We watched the video later this past weekend and again I made it a big deal. In our world that is laced with a need for affirmation, make sure your kids get it the most at home. After all... children are a blessing from God.

Investing 101

2010-10-20T04:42:00.000-07:00

Honestly, investing is not my favorite word (sorry EJH). I've avoided it for much of my adult life in part since I never heard it all that much at home growing up. When you never have any extra you just don't put any back. In an odd way, I have always felt like I was losing something now even though I would get it all back and possibly then some at a later time. But the loss of something important to me in the immediate is the roadblock for pouring and planting and investing for a future day.

So what about investing in people? Why do we rush down the hall right past him or her instead of stopping and planting a little hope and sunshine into their lives? Why don't we opt to share a lunch with a friend as opposed to shutting the door and eating alone? It's because it requires emotional labor. This is the stuff that drains us. It requires me to loose a piece of me now. But what we forget is that the small investment of me now may be the investment that pays a greater dividend in the future. Emotional labor is difficult because it appears to be all giving and no receiving... but in reality when you give of yourself you'll find that you always get more than you give.

Emotional labor. Invest into someone.

"light but not heat"

2010-10-19T05:15:00.000-07:00

I read this statement last night that really caught me... Seth Godin referring to being graceful.

"Graceful is artistic, elegant, subtle, and effective. Graceful makes things happen and brings light but not heat."

I have found a new life trait that I want to capture. GRACEFUL. It makes me think of an old black & white movie with some guy that I don't know gliding across the floor with some long-haired blonde, moving seemlessly, almost in slow motion, nothing else in the room matters and barely seems to exist. GRACEFUL. The word itself just puts you at ease. But them comes the kicker - my life feels most days like anything but graceful. Chaotic, maybe. Hectic, maybe. Frantic, maybe. Some days I feel like I should have become a fireman since all I do is put out fires. I want to be a GRACEFUL leader. A man who is firm but fair. A man who shares light but not heat. Then comes the follow up quote from Godin...

"The thing is, no one is born graceful. It's not a gift, it's a choice."

I'm Bringing Sexy Back...

2010-10-19T04:31:00.000-07:00

Just kiddin'. I'm actually bringing blogging back. Does anyone of my old friends out there still blog? I must admit with the new addiction, I mean addition of Face Book I've been a bit preoccupied. I have missed my old friend(s) at blogspot and just decided with almost a years vacation it was time to revisit a favorite of my past times. If you have never seen it... you can follow at www.micahandrews.blogspot.com

More to follow soon.

insufficient gratitude

2009-11-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

I was 17 years old sitting on the edge of my bed when I witnessed war for the first time. It was the opening air strike in the Gulf War. I was shocked. I was amazed. I was terrified. My country was at war. I see it as one of those things as if you aren't directly involved you can't fully grasp the magnitude. Both of my grandfathers were war vets and I have listened over the years to their limited story telling doing my best to imagine what it was really like.

I remember the excitement of leaving home. Sure I'll miss everyone but I'm off to college. The world was mine for the taking. But not even for one second do I try to make the comparison of going off to college to the likes of going off to war. Unless some freak tragic accident I could come home whenever I got ready. Unlike the many who have served our country who were never guaranteed any return home... ever. I can only imagine the emotion of leaving home for potentially the final time. I can not imagine losing friends, forever.

There are several things that I have always envied of men who have served in the military. I have a limited understanding of honor for one. But to serve my country... no that's a flood of honor. I have always appreciated the sense of discipline our veterans seem to have. I have often wondered what kind of man I would be today had I served in the military. Those who have served walk differently. They have a swagger like none other. And talk about loyalty... they understand it.

As I reflect on this Veteran's Day I realize once again that I have a limited capacity to appreciate the numerous sacrifices made by men, women and families all across America. My best gratitude will always remain insufficient. To our Veteran's... hats off to you.

inspired...

2009-10-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from a trip to the nations capital. While there I had the chance to visit the Smithsonian Museum. I actually went to the American History museum and was captivated by everything I saw. It is hard to imagine that some of the real items from history are there! I mean the actual coat worn by George Washington or Abe Lincoln... that's nuts! I saw Ali's boxing gloves, swag from many of the former President's and so much more...

As I walked around I could not help but feel overwhelmed. It was as if I was in the presence of excellence. I was in the hall of dreamers and visionaries. I have to admit I felt a sense of challenge as I read and looked at the artifacts that tell my nation's stories. The Civil War stuff struck me very closely. That was such an ugly time in history. Families hated one another and were often split. Rage and destruction ruled. But would we ever be where we are now as a nation if we had not previously gone there?

So many men. So many leaders. So many great accomplishments. What made them different? Did they have a greater ambition than I have? Were they smarter? Were they more wealthy? What separates the average man from the spectacular man? My answer is simple... bring your very best, every single day.

Was I inspired to make the most of my time on earth as I walked around DC? Most definitely yes.

3 drops of grape juice

2009-09-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

mornings at our house are much like the final laps of a NASCAR race. everyone is rushing and running and doing their best to slide in the van just before the checkered flag drops. getting a kindergartner, a third grader, and a sixth grade teacher ready for the day and out the door at 6:45 is just short of insane. with the recent addition of late afternoon soccer practice followed by a late dinner, bath w/ hair washing & drying and a goal of bedtime by 8:30... forget about it.

even though i would not change one thing about my family (with the exception that in my perfect world school wouldn't start till about 9:15 or so) our mornings can be fairly crazy. and crazy is the word I choose if nothing goes wrong. add a little sleepy-headed 5 year old waking up on the wrong side of the bed and you might think the sky was falling. can't find soccer cleats, shoes are tied in knots, we just ran out of toothpaste, or 3 small drops of grape juice on the front of a fresh white nicely pressed shirt for mom and the world is rapidly coming to an end. well, just that very thing came to be at our house last week... not the end of the world part but the 3 drops of grape juice on mom's white shirt... just seconds before she was to crank Roxy (the name we have given our 2006 Toyota Sienna).

i witnessed it all first hand. the earth trembled slightly beneath my feet. sweat began to ooze from my brow. i could almost feel the tension. it was just short of actually painful. mom was steaming about those darn drops of untimely grape juice. and rightly so. i would have simply come un-glued. i would have snapped and thrown something. most of us would have done something stupid as we reacted and responded to one of life's little reminder moments.

i think those kinds of things don't just happen... i think they are allowed to happen. i really think GOD lets dumb stuff happen to us to see how we will respond. for us, the 3 drops of grape juice fouled our attitudes for the better part of the morning. everyone was late. the routine had been disrupted. but as i look at those silly moments, what's the big deal? it is grape juice. LORD, remind us all that the little moments that seem so HUGE are in all reality so very small. after all, how big can 3 drops of grape juice actually be?

alignment for assignment

2009-08-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine shared a story with me a few weeks ago that I did not remember. This friend is beginning his fourth month of recovery and is living clean. He told me a story that took place about 15 years ago which I did not recall until he shared it with me. You see, he and I were at a party with other mutual friends when "the passing of the joint" took place. These were good guys, hanging out, not hurting anyone really... and as we sat around the joint came to me. Now I have had my share of "experimenting" but drugs never really appealed to me. I simply said, "No thanks, I'm good." I assume I didn't think anything else about it. But my friend obviously did. Just a few weeks ago he reminded me of that night. He said that memory of me had stuck with him over the years. I didn't make a big deal about it but simply passed.

Fast forward 15 years, I work in a drug recovery program and my friend is a resident in this particular program. Who knew that one day our paths would cross in this environment? In fact, 15 years ago I could not even imagined myself working in such a place. This past Sunday I listened as Pastor Larry Stockstill from Louisiana spoke about God's alignment for our assignment. He spoke of how so many things in our lives are simply aligning us for what God's ultimate will is for our lives. Maybe you have wondered like I have... why certain things happen to us in the way that they do. Maybe it is because somewhere down the line, He will use us in certain ways to help certain people simply because "we've been there". I know there have been trials in my own life and I have wondered, why in the world I am dealing with this. My own answer has been, well maybe God is allowing me to deal with this to minister to someone down the road. I don't know if that is going to be the case but it somehow gives me peace and meaning to the mess I often deal with.

I have to believe that the tests we all face are a part of the aligning process. Some of us have to be stressed and pulled to show our imperfections. Some are tested and tried to allow us to see where we need the most work. It is a character issue. I believe that God uses His all-knowing sense to direct us toward His perfect alignment. Once we find that alignment or as I call it, that divine "Sweet Spot" then we are able to achieve our assignment.

Don't grow weary if you are being tried. These tests breed perseverance and that leads to maturity and character. James chapter 1 says it this way... "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." At the time I had no idea that passing up a chance to get high would come back to be a badge of honor. Am I thankful that I passed? You betcha! My prayer: make me ever aware of Your alignment in my life.

sound investments in a troubled economy

2009-08-28T05:05:00.000-07:00

What a year for the market. Many reports show that for the first time in decades our great land faces Depression-like levels of unemployment. When the bottom started to fall so many lost thousands and ten's of thousands and I only lost hundreds. I guess if you don't have much invested you really don't have much to lose. The problem with this is... you don't have much invested. I realize when I chose a career in the non-profit world that this term was literal. It is non-profit. The only ones making a killing in the non-profit world seem to turn out to be a little crooked. But don't cry for me, I chose this path. I made a conscious decision to follow in the footsteps of my father. I do find it neat that the last sentence applies to both my earthly father and my Heavenly Father.

I have close friends that financially are doing very well for themselves. I will admit that when I see them in their new car, new boats and having lots of big boy toys... I wonder why I can't afford stuff like that? Just this week I was reminded of why. Some choose to invest their money, time and talent in areas that reap them a sweet harvest. There is absolutely nothing inherently wrong with this, just for the record. They make wise decisions and it pays nice dividends for them. I on the other hand (and many like me) have chosen to invest money, time and talent in other ways. DISCLAIMER: This is not a self indulgent thought or statement that is set to paint a picture of poor little old me, nor is it intended to make me appear as a financial martyr, greater in any sense or the appearance that I have it all figured out. The truth is, if I had lots of money I would probably be just as broke... I like to spend.

I have simply chosen to make my investments elsewhere. I have also made some very wise investment choices. I can think of a list of young people and even peers that I have purposefully invested my own life in. I give them my time, I give them my heart, I give them my soul. After all, that is all I have. Regardless of how the market is doing and regardless of the value of the almighty dollar... the most sound investment you can make in a troubled economy is when you invest you in someone else. Luke 12:34 says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." I think we can flip that verse and make the same kind of sense. "For where your heart is, there your treasure will be also."

I challenge me and you... make wise investments. Invest in your marriage. Invest in your children. Invest in your walk with God. Invest in those around you. The payoff is eternal.

Illegalism in the 21st Century... post #100

2009-08-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

It took me a year and a half but I finally broke the century mark. This is the 100th post for me!

There are few things in life that just burn my hide. People leaving their blinker on after they have changed lanes, getting a voicemail and people say their number so fast you can't figure it out, bad cell service... you know, the big things. Well, one of the quickest ways to fire me up is to show your legalism card. In my own words I define legalism like this: Legalism is living and abiding by a standard of rules and regulations that simply flat-out miss the bulls eye. I know it is really nothing new and we even read about it all throughout scriptures. From not eating certain foods to the way you comb your hair. I have first hand knowledge of legalism seeing as how I couldn't wear shorts until the 7th grade due to spiritual reasons. Jewelry, make-up, long hair-short hair... where does it stop? I know peoples intentions are sometimes good as they abide by these "doctrines" simply because they want to be closer to God, but to think that I am going to hell because I play cards is nothing short of absurd.

Now where I really have issues is when someone who lives by these standards responds toward me with this "your not living right" attitude. Fires me up! To think that there are churches that get bent out of shape because members leave and go somewhere else and then they themselves "talk about it" to no end... ridiculous. It may be a surprise to some but some of the worst treatment many receive are from other "believers". Makes me sick at my stomach. To say they follow Christ is a pure lie. They follow rules. Well, heck... even animals can follow rules. I have coined a term to describe the whole entire mess... Illegalism. Because it should be.

Whatever happened to love thy neighbor as thyself? That was pretty good teaching. For those who are entangled by the nasty web of legalism, my heart hurts for you just shortly after my blood pressure rises. Get over it and move on. Our lives are too short to not work it out together.

That's all I've got to say about that.

revival cancelled

2009-08-17T20:07:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine recently saw a sign outside a local church that read "Revival Cancelled" and it began to stir my thoughts. Revival cancelled... really? Is that a status report for the good old US of A? Revival cancelled... can you do that? Revival cancelled... what if it really is? What would life be like if God removed His hand from our existence? What would that be like? First of all it would bring utter chaos but beyond that how would it feel? If we all woke up tomorrow and the hope that so many of us rely on was over night simply removed or cancelled... what would we do?

I have read many reports or studies that keep a pulse on the church in America and from I have read maybe in some places revival has been cancelled. Reports show that there are churches closing the doors for good in almost every city, town and neighborhood across our country. For numerous reasons they are just calling it quits. Maybe some of them need to close. They haven't seen a convert in over a decade. They haven't baptized anyone in recent history. They are more of a drain on the community than there are anything else. Maybe they should close down. Maybe revival has been cancelled. However, be not dismayed... there are some great, vibrant, healthy churches out there as well. I know first hand revival has not been cancelled. I see each week people from all walks of life being revived, brought back to life, new life!

But I ask myself this question... what if as of this moment on God never answered another prayer of mine. What would I do? I would hope and like to think that I would continue living my life and playing on His team but I can only imagine how discouraging that would be. If He never answered another prayer, I would still have my lifetime of personal miracles and do-overs to thank Him for. I would guess that I could take one day at a time and thank Him each of those days for just one answered prayer and never run out of days. I would like to think if He stopped responding to my petitions it wouldn't make a difference and I would carry on. But how many of my prayers are prayed out of sincere love for Him and mankind and how many are prayed because I need something? How many prayers are prayed because I am just flat out desperate for Him to move on my behalf? If He never answers another prayer... I still have a huge pile of things to be thankful for.

Revival cancelled? Not at my house... what about yours?

Saying revival cancelled is like saying Freedom Revoked... you don't have the authority.

life in the customer service line @ walmart

2009-08-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

I realized today as I stood in the return line at customer service at my local Wal-Mart that Apple Bottom Jeans is an actual brand... all this time I just thought it was part of the song. Anyway, I am sure that at some point in every adults life we will all experience a Wal-Mart return. Thus was the case for me today. As I stood there I experienced a flood of emotions and questions...

For example, am I the only one that feels like if I don't have my receipt I am viewed as the guy who is trying to pull a fast one on the largest retailer in the world? I didn't have a receipt today and my simple exchange had to be reviewed by what seemed to be at least a half dozen managers. Now I am sure that there are those who were standing in the long line with me that were simply out to pull the wool over the CSR in charge but why the pressure? And what takes them so long? Everything is computerized but the process of scanning what I want to bring back along with the pain-staking scanning of my new merchandise was similar in length to a full store, late night inventory. But for some strange reason I still felt like I had to prove something to the clerk serving me today.

And if you have something from the electronic department to return, even if it is completely unopened... be prepared to give a full blown account of your actions for the last two months, a blood sample or two, and two of your three most recent credit reports. If it is something from ELECTRONICS that doesn't work, forget about it. You in for a good half hour ordeal. I witnessed it first hand today with a slightly elderly woman in front of me. The final call from the obvious big man on duty... "I will do it this time but just know I am doing you a favor and I will not be able to do this again." Oh mister wal-mart manager man... thank you so much for your grace and mercy as I return the broken merchandise that I paid good money for that didn't work to begin with. I am so sorry that I have inconvenienced you with my petty wish to actually get something that works. As you can sense I was a little perturbed by my trials and tribulations earlier this afternoon.

I guess the lesson I want to share is this... I am a simple man. I normally try to treat others with decency and appreciation. Is it too much to ask for to be treated in the same way. In the good book we find a valuable lesson in "treat others in the same way you would like to be treated." Or as we so fondly call it... the Golden Rule. Honestly I don't know if it is even in the scriptures that way but it should be. Life Lesson # 32 (from the book of Andrews) if I am rude, respond to me with rudeness. If I am nice and appreciative, help a brother out and return the service.

Until later, avoid the customer service line at Wal-Mart if at all possible.

there's no crying in soccer...

2009-08-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

Every time I think about the movie "A League of Their Own" with Tom Hanks, Madonna, and others I think of my dear friend Phil Harris. I also remember the great scene and line by Hanks, "there's no crying in baseball..." Well, today the Andrews family began our journey in the world of girl's soccer. I have been blessed to be asked to serve Ella's (my 5 year old) team as assistant coach. The greatest humor in this is that I have no idea how to play soccer. In fact, the only rule I know is that you can't touch the ball. Which by the way is quite confusing to 5 and 6 year olds when they see someone throw the ball in from the sideline. Anyway, we had our first practice this morning and let me just say, "there is crying in soccer." I dealt with that scenario on numerous occasions today with multiple young athletes. Once I even kicked the ball and hit Ella in the arm which summoned an outpouring of emotion. Not to mention at 8:00 in the early morning Alabama heat my youngest fell apart when we told her she had to kick it one more time.

But all in all the initial experience was good. At this age you basically try to get the kids to learn a little ball control and learn how to have fun playing the sport. One of the greatest aspirations is just to instill the love of the game in each child so they will actually want to show up the next time out. Not a bad strategy I might add. Maybe we in the modern, American church can learn a bit from little league soccer. Am I as a father, are we as a culture, are we as believers, is the church... instilling in our children a love for the body of Christ? Are we teaching them by our actions how to fall in love with our Savior? When it is all said and done, do they want to show up in a place of worship because we make them or because they actually want to go? VBS is great and all but what do we do the rest of the year to create an atmosphere where our kids learn about God but equally as important actually want to go?

If our children are our future what kind of investments are we as the church making for that future? My church, Church of the Highlands, I feel does a great job at this. There are churches all over our city, state, and country that do a good job at creating a child friendly environment to learn about Christ. My heart goes out to those who do not. I want my girls to want to go to church. I do not ever want to be the kind of dad who makes my kids go (which I do not believe is actually a bad idea if it comes to that) but I want them to have that deep desire at an early age to know Christ but also to simply go to church. After all, "there's no crying in church."

Real Men Wear Sunscreen...

2009-07-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

As I sat on a stool in an old fashioned soda shop in Apalachicola, FL listening to Lionel Ritchie sing "Stuck on You" during my recent family vacation... I realized that there are some things you do on vacation that you just don't do on normal days. A long standing tradition in our family is that we leave our watches at home when we leave for vacation. Time really doesn't matter. We declare it from the get go. We sleep late... well, I do anyway. I wear a hat almost everyday. If my wife doesn't want to wear make-up, she doesn't have to (and I might add that she looks amazing with no make-up. Seriously.) The rules of family vacation are just different. The pace is slower. The capturing of special family moments seems to slide up the importance scale a bit more. We make sure to relax and eat what we want, when we want. It's vacation.

With the exception of baseball caps and the absence of Lionel Ritchie, why aren't more days like vacation? I can only imagine that the stress levels would drastically fall. I often wonder what life was like in the "good old days"? When it took weeks to travel across country and days to cross the state. How simple life must have been. And why does the term "simple" have the connotation of poor and being without? I think we all need to take a big old break, take a few more deep breaths and relax. Why not enjoy the small things like sitting on the porch at night and watching for shooting stars? So, my deepest advice for America... slow down. Enjoy the ride. There's lots to see.

And as the title suggests, yes... I did wear sunscreen on my family beach vacation.

Binge Thinking.

2009-07-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

Fads. Here today, gone tomorrow. Out of sight, out of mind. Why is it that we often don't think about certain things... that is until it seems a little more pertinent to our immediate situation? For example, what is the expiration date on your driver's license? I would be willing to bet that no one knows it without looking (except for those with self diagnosed OCD like members of my family). But once you realize that date of expiration is drawing near, then it becomes something to address. Or what about that little sticker you get each time you get an oil change. Are you really mentally aware of how many miles you travel between oil changes? If it weren't for those little stickers, maybe you might forget all together when you even got your oil changed last. There are so many things in life that we just tend to forget about until it becomes urgent.

What about our walk with God? I wonder if I am the only one that turns up the heat between me and the Lord whenever the heat gets turned up on me? Maybe you've noticed in your own life the tendency to think much more about Him when you sense the need for His intervention. Maybe you realize that He is not quite the center once thinks get shaky and you find yourself thinking about Him a little more often. Why is it we don't think about Him as much when things are going well? Why do we binge think during tough times?

I am realizing more than ever the dangers of binge drinking (which if you don't know means the excessive intake of alcohol during a short period of time) and as I think now I am also realizing the dangers of binge thinking. Lord, let me not neglect you during the easy days. Let me not forget You for even a moment.

By the way... have you changed the ac filter at your home? Have you changed the batteries in your smoke alarms?

n-da-pin-dance dae

2009-07-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

for me... it's BBQ, homemade ice cream, all the family, fireworks in Homewood, buy one get one free bottle rockets and possibly a watermelon. Most of my life the 4th of July has been about everything other than celebrating my Independence. Even though as I have grown older I may have had more of an awareness about those who fought for my Independence and those who sacrificed, dreamed, believed and then kicked a little British booty but really it has been a simple and quaint acknowledgement at best of my true freedom and my amazing country. I imagine Independence is much like grace in that you really don't notice it unless you don't have it.

I can't imagine not having the freedom to choose who and how I worship but break it down a bit... how about not having the simple freedom to watch the news, or report the news, or even down to what I wear, drive, live? I can't even begin to imagine what life is like without freedom. I have absolutely no frame of reference to comprehend such a life. Or do I?

Spiritually speaking. God infused us all with the ability to choose, in a sense a freedom to make our own decisions. But on the flip side who wants to be independent from God? In the Bible it says that apart from Him we can do nothing. In my mind and my heart I would never consider living independently or away from God but what about my actions? Do they say otherwise? Do my actions tend to be those that I choose or the ones I feel He chooses? If I'm not careful here I can get a little confused. I love my Independence in one sense but I cherish even more my dependence. I thank God for options, however...

This 4th of July season I will celebrate two things. My Independence and my dependence. Happy BBQ day.

tiny miracles

2009-06-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

I have often wondered why we don't experience more of the old school BIG miracles here in the good old USA. I have listened to way too many self-proclaimed theologians try to debate this issue and for me none them adequately make their case. Earlier this week I had the opportunity to go and speak to about 25 senior adults about The Foundry. After about 35 minutes of babbling chatter I sat down and a gentleman who appeared to be in his mid 70's stood and gave a brief devotion.

Near the end he told of an experience he had witnessed the day before. He had been called to the ER because a friend had fallen and had been knocked unconscious. When he arrived at the hospital he said he stood and softly prayed a very simple prayer that went something like this... "Lord, we commit him into your hands, please heal him." The man was quite delirious and coming and going out of consciousness. He was very physically shaken by his fall. About 15 minutes later the man suddenly popped out of his crazed state and was perfectly back to normal. In fact they released him from the hospital in no time at all and only a few short minutes earlier they were ordering every kind of test they could to find out what was wrong.

As the man finished his story he softly but forcefully proclaimed that God was still alive, walking with us and still performing miracles. The crowd that surrounded me erupted into an elderly applause. It resembled a quaint golf clap at best. I too joined in with my 11 seconds of amazing praise to the King of Kings for His mighty works.

Then as I sat there I wandered away mentally. Why is it that I just discounted a miracle? A supernatural intervention of the Lord Almighty and I dismissed it as a tiny miracle. Have I been so jaded that the normal everyday moves of God's Holy Spirit no longer move me? Will it take another "inside the belly of a whale" kind of moment to crank my motor? I have to imagine that I am not the only one that haphazardly clapped as you sat in a Sunday School class and listened to the testimony of a tiny miracle. Is there such a thing as a tiny miracle? Isn't a tiny miracle like a minor heart transplant?

Why is it that unless it is a raising of the dead we too often first respond with a skeptical attitude? Is it the church's fault? Is it my fault? Is the devil's fault? Let us NEVER forget that God is the same today, yesterday, and forever. There are no tiny miracles. Just ask those who have been on the receiving end of such miracles... and see what they say.

cultural diversity

2009-05-31T20:53:00.000-07:00

This fine country of ours have often been referred to as a melting pot. You don't have to look very far to find someone that is exactly the opposite of you. Just yesterday I drove past two old men selling produce on the side of the road. At first I drove past but as I continued my drive I was intrigued by the two old birds and decided to turn around and check em out. As I got out of my truck and approached them they sat still in their folding lawn chairs, one in over-alls and the other sitting quietly as a trusty sidekick. I bought a watermelon and this seemed to give me an opportunity to talk. I think maybe I wanted to just talk more than I wanted the watermelon.

Anyway, they began to share with me a glimpse into their lives. The main guy, adorned in his finest Dickey's, began telling me the stories of his childhood. He was one of fourteen children (all from the same mother he added) and how he had worked on the family farm until his early 30's. He complained about the taxes he was having to pay on his produce and how "the man" was robbing him blind. He added some of the funniest (and dirtiest) jokes that I had heard in a long time. I stood with my watermelon and free tomato that he just wanted me to try and listened until I had to leave. He had other paying customers arriving and his attention quickly was re-routed.

As I drove home I thought about how different his life was from mine. We possibly shared the same opinion on taxes, a similar view on politics and who knows... maybe a resemblance on matters of faith. But we were still so very different.

I was reminded yet again how diverse our country is. I was even reminded how diverse our own lives can be. I was and am still challenged to embrace those who see through different shades this thing we call life. I hope my $6 contribution helps the old man out. Just a few minutes of conversation with him helped me in a great way to see that this is a big old world.

the small things.

2009-05-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

disclaimer: the examples and statistics are not original to the author and are purely second hand at best. to verify... google.

I heard recently that in 1999 Ellen Degeneres participated in the first lesbian kiss on television. I remember the hype that preceded this event as well as the controversy that followed. I also heard that as a result of this "original kiss" that more than 20 prime time sitcoms directly involving homosexual relationships have aired.

Have you ever noticed that once you tell a small lie or as I like to call them... a fib... that it becomes easier to tell more mistruths? It is almost as if the first stretching of the truth is a gateway drug to many more. I have heard that for most professional criminals, their first crime was somewhat minor. It appears to me that there is a pattern.

That first breaking of the ice by Ellen opened the door for the subject of homosexuality to be displayed for the whole world. It was simple. A kiss. Not that I am condoning the show, the person, or the act but the point I am making is that the door was opened. Once the door is cracked open, the floodgates swing not too far behind. I have also heard that this is similar to the act of sin. Open the door and watch out! It reminds me of a virus. I tiny micro-element spreads throughout the body and quickly takes over and dictates the way we feel, the way we perform, the way we recover.

It's the small things that we need to guard against. Once the small pieces enter in... that's when the initial problems are born. In Psalms we are reminded to guard our heart because it is the wellspring of life. Looking out for the big things is a no-brainer. The area that I hear we need to guard against the most is the small stuff. We are told to not sweat the small stuff but I say... watch out for the small stuff because that is how the door gets opened. I'm just saying...

A Salute to Moms

2009-05-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well, where would we be without moms? Answer: no where. We wouldn't be. I find it a bit funny that even as grown men we depend so much on our mothers. I have been so blessed to have almost 37 years with my mom. She is the strongest woman I have ever known. She is the most stern and compassionate woman all at the same time. She gives, gives, and gives. My mother makes every occasion a special one. From the amazing meals to hunting for Christmas presents. From Easter egg hunts to simple visits at a restaurant. Each time my family gathers... it is special, thanks to mom.

Then we marry and have children of our own. I wish I could understand the psychology behind men and their wives and their mothers. My mother knows me well enough to know when I need nurtured and so does my wife. My mother knows when I need encouraged, and so does my wife. My mother knows exactly how to treat me when I am sick, so does my wife. There's got to be something there. So, until I can figure all of this out, I just simply want to wish all mother's but especially my mother and my wife a Happy Mother's Day.

You both are simply the best!

Do the Next Right Thing...

2009-05-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

As I type these thoughts I am actually in the middle of watching a new show with Michael J. Fox. It is called "The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist". I actually bought the book earlier this week and can hardly wait to get into it. You see, my mother gave me a "title" a few years back when she called me her "rough son" who always sought to "seize the moment". I love that she sees me this way. In my mind its like this Marlboro Man persona without the cigarettes. It is a mixture of John Wayne and Brad Pitt. That is how my loving mother sees me. But how do I see me?

I mean I live with me 24/7. I see the best of me and live quietly with the worst of me. If I had to self describe who I really am or who I am really aspiring to be... its an incurable optimist. I want to be that guy that sees the best in everything. I want to see each glass as half full. I want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt even if they are trying to take advantage of me. Why? Because it is so much better than worry. It is better than anxiety. I guess there is a little bit more control in my life if I see things this way as opposed to always looking out for the bad. Too many people look at life through the negative lens. Fox even said his very own dad viewed life as this "long line of people waiting to kick him in the _ _ _ (butt)." What kind of way is that to live?

I was reminded of a similar thought earlier today. When things are not going quite like I want them to, I am prone to only see the here and now. When I have made a bad decision and am left dealing with the consequences I have a tendency to only see the immediate situation. I was reminded in a quiet moment today that God sees my momentary affliction but more importantly He sees the BIG PICTURE. Not only does He see it but at times, He allows me to catch a brief glimpse of my Big picture.

As Fox plays a round of golf with Bill Murray, he explains to Bill that this optimistic attitude is one of not always looking to do the next thing right, but rather to do the next right thing. I will leave that beautiful line up for your own interpretation but for me... it is a big picture kind of statement. I may fail in the moment but the key is to not roll around in it. The key is to pick myself up by the boot straps and to do the next right thing. Or to state it like the old timers... we may lose the battle but the victory is already won.

you just never know...

2009-05-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

Today I met Mr. Gambino... no relation, I asked. Oddly enough though he was from New York. I was on his turf when we met so as I approached him I was extra nice... turned on the old charm. We spoke a bit at first and as I came back by him he stopped me. You see, Mr. Gambino is in his early 60's and I assumed we had very little in common. I am much more at home with good old southern folks like myself. I can easily talk about college football, the weather, tractors and the like. I assumed my "professional posture" as we began a conversation.

He asked me what I did and I proceeded to tell him about the work of The Foundry. Immediately he lit up. His face changed a bit and I wondered if he was one of those guys who was a little anti-God. But it turned out to be just the opposite. Immediately he began to share with me about his life. It had been full of ups and downs and twists and turns. He quickly told me about his life changing conversion when he was 32 and how he had followed Christ ever since. He was so unassuming and so passionate. He even told me that he knew one day he was going to be on the mission field. My mind wondered at how long he thought this was going to be. Here he is rapidly approaching retirement and he's talking about becoming a missionary. When most folks his age would be calculating the numbers to see how much he had is his nest and he's talking about reaching the world for Jesus.

I was so taken back. I had missed it on my initial assessment of who this guy was. He was a radical! We talked for the best part of 20 minutes and as we wrapped it up, he turned to me and said, "You know it is not by chance that we met today?" I thought that I should be the spiritual one and should have said that first but he beat me to the punch. In fact, I entered the conversation just trying to get on his good side. He looked important at the place I had just arrived and I wanted to make a good impression. He on the other hand was just waiting to talk about Jesus. Who knew?

So what did I take away from this encounter other than a new 62 year old friend from NYC... another moment of enlightenment that reminded me that God is working everyday in the lives of those around me and I can see it if I will only take the time to slow down. Mr. G is a great man and I am better today from having met him.

I See People...

2009-05-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

At the end of your day, what have you really accomplished? If there is anyone out there anything at all like me, I too often measure the meaning of my day by how many items I have successfully marked off my never ending "to do" list. I know that I am wired this way. I love to get stuff done. It is my strength and my weakness all at the same time. We all know the under-achiever and the guy in the office who is always on the short end of productivity. This guy is a stumbling block for my day destined to be filled with accomplishment. Get out of my way so I can get something done. I am the guy who sits back and smiles when the in box is emptied. When all of those little yellow sticky notes are finally deposited into file 13... then and only then can I feel like I've actually done something.

The only downfall I seem to revisit here is that when all of this "work" is to the demise of my real call in life. People. Am I the only one who walks past someone else who may be in need of my services of listening just to return a meaningless phone call? What if the shoe is on the other foot? How do I feel when I need some attention of someone and they put me off to get stuff done? I find them to be inconsiderate and self-centered. They obviously have their own agenda. But what happens when I am that guy?

Think about it this way... What would others say about me if they received a "reference call" about me? Wow, that guy really knows how to shuffle paper. Man is he ever punctual to return my emails! That guy Micah, he really knows how to use his office hours to get the most out of them. As superior as these qualities may appear, that is not what I want to be known for. I want the accolade of being a people person. Let me be remembered as the guy who cared more about people that papers. When it is all said and done, let me be known as the man who listened.

Just a friendly reminder to those out there who are overtly task oriented... stop and smell the roses. The most rich accomplishment in any 24 hour period will be the people that we meet, the ones we get to know, and the ones in whom we invest a bit of us into.

characters.

2009-04-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

every good story has a variety of characters. come to think of it, every story has characters. some dumb, some boring, some funny, some are just characters. my life is one such story. today I have been reminded that each character has in them their own story. life is so rich when you take the time to see the character for what they really are. some dumb, some boring, some funny...

each day that I breath (which is 100% of them to date) is in itself a blank page waiting to be written on. the lines of tragedy, the lines of poetry, the lines of drama waiting to unfold. don't rush the unfolding beauty. just let it happen. a life connected with Almighty God is yet another story. its beauty is certainly in the ending. do yourself a favor today, read it all. love the characters.

a measure of spirituality... 8 words.

2009-04-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

I heard a line today that captured my attention. At some point in your life you will face tough times. We all do, some more often than others but nonetheless they will come. I often wonder why? Why me? Are tough times God's way of dealing with my wandering from Him? Are my personal trials a way that God gets even with me? Is it a loving Father disciplining me for only He knows what? In my mind, these would all be logical and even worthy thoughts. Maybe it is a by-product of the way I was raised and how I have grown to see God. I battle from time to time with the all loving, on my side version of God and the "I'll show you", He's out to get me type of God.

My experience and His word show me one thing but my mind and my own personal guilt lead me in other directions. I get torn. But the line that got me today was in reference to this point... Tough times happen to everyone. Matthew 5:45 says "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." We all face tough times. But get ready, here it comes... "Problems are not a measure of my spirituality." Wow, how liberating are those 8 words?

That again tells me that He is not out to get me. It is part of a fallen world. Tough times happen. They happen to us all. It's like that passage of scripture when the disciples asked Jesus about the blind man. They said something like "who sinned, him or his parents, that caused him to be blind?" Jesus response was simple... it aint like that.

So, in the midst of tough times, be reminded that it may just be a way of strengthening us. It may be part of a plan that we didn't get let in on just yet. In tough times, ask this question... "Lord, what is it that You want me to learn in all of this?"

today I stopped...

2009-04-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

Ever notice how when you are at your busiest moment of the day, somebody was created just to interrupt you in mid-stride? Or when you are actually finding a minute of extreme productivity in whatever the task may be, the cell phone rings. And it's your wife. What do you do? Let it roll to voicemail? What if it is an emergency? What if she is just calling to tell you how much she loves you and that you are the most wonderful man in the world... I mean you want to catch that call for sure.

But what about those other people. The drains on social society. We all have them in our life and if you don't just call me... I'll share. You know the type... those who when you see them coming you quickly act like you are getting a call. Those people were created to step in the midst of your already stormy day and add more calamity not calmness. I wonder if God in all of His infinite wisdom doesn't just send some of those people to intersect your hectic and possibly meaningless day? I mean what if He sees that we need to slow down, take a deep breath and remember what we were created for? After all, aren't we supposed to love others in the same manner as we love ourselves?

Well, today I stopped. I was briskly making my way from one appointment to another when I walked past a lady I did not know at all standing at the bus stop. I spoke and actually was intentional to make eye contact with her so that she knew I really wondered (even if for but a brief moment) how she was really doing. She spoke back as if she felt that I really was interested. The next thing I know I am hearing all about how great and wonderful God has been to her. She starts by telling me how her pastor carried a wooden cross made from a real tree that he had harvested all by himself into church on Easter Sunday morning. I kind of laughed it off and thought how ridiculous that idea was. In fact, do something original... that carrying the cross thing has been played out for hundreds of years. Then it hit me. She wasn't talking to me, she was talking at me. She had a message that I needed to hear. Maybe in my self-righteous little life I may have missed the beauty of Easter yesterday. She was my reminder. She went on to tell me all about her son who was severely handicapped had just turned 18 and the doctors had told her years earlier that he wouldn't live past 5. She poured out the miracles that God had performed in her own life and all I could do was think that she was sent into my life by my Heavenly Father today, not to slow me down, but rather to stop me cold in my tracks.

She got it. She had experienced first hand the beauty of the resurrection and she was sharing it with me whether I wanted to hear it or not. Her bus came and she scurried off to make it home I guess and I was left to deal with what remained. Me, standing there. A man who truly wants to please God in every aspect of my life. A man who wants to give more than he takes. A man who strives daily to take life by the horns and ride each moment for everything that is in it. And all I could do was stop.

the missed embrace.

2009-04-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

Sin occurs everyday. Whether it is you or it is me or someone else... it happens. Temptation occurs seemingly thousands of times everyday. It happens. In those moments of disobedience to our Heavenly Father, for me at least, it becomes all about me. My inadequacy to stand on my personal promises to God in private moments of prayer. About how I feel like I have let down and disappointed the One who matters most. It becomes about patterns and habits in our lives. And even when we read something like this what do we do? We wonder and try to figure out what it is that the writer is referring to. What are his struggles? What "sin" or "temptation" is he talking about. Well, if you just did that. STOP. Too often it is a practice of self-justification. If someone else's stuff is worse than mine then that makes me less bad. Or if someone else is dealing with the same kind of stuff I have then maybe I am not so yucky of a person after all. Again, STOP.

You don't get points based on my performance just like I don't score better when you fail. Here again, we almost always make it personal... it's about me.

I had this thought this morning as I listened to Donal Miller (Blue Like Jazz guy) and here it is: What if in those moments where we face a choice to do what is right or to do what is self fulfilling, that in that very moment it is not in His eyes a choice about right or wrong but rather an opportunity to embrace Him? Forget you for a moment and try to see you through His eyes. In that moment we call temptation, see it as a call from Heaven to simply grab on to His way. Not a personal fork in the road, which way do I go? It is a moment where we can embrace our Heavenly Father and allow Him to do what only He can do anyway.

Maybe you missed a chance to embrace Him today. The saddest part of that is that moment can never be regained. Not that he will never provide that type of moment again, but that specific moment is gone. Adios. My personal prayer today is "please send me another moment... soon." Send me another opportunity to put me aside and simply embrace You.

just like daddy

2009-04-06T19:34:00.001-07:00

As I walked across my kitchen floor tonight, I had a flash go before my eyes. For a split second I thought I saw my dad. Not like in a six-sense kind of way but more like a reflection. There are no mirrors in my kitchen and nothing really to cast a glare and in fact it wasn't even a real reflection. It was actually me. You see, after 14 years I shaved my beard off yesterday. My daughters had never seen me without any facial hair and my wife could barely remember what I "used" to look like. Who knew I had a dimple on my chin. I didn't remember that being there.

As I stood in the shower tonight peering into that little shaving mirror I noticed how funny my upper lip looked. Then as I stared at my almost clean face I saw my dad. I remembered for a split second how his face felt and looked as he had that nice 5 o'clock shadow. I remembered that late night smell of his t-shirt... it always had that same familiar smell.

Later as I walked across the kitchen in my same old pajama pants (almost like my dad used to wear) and those house shoes that we bought him for Christmas year before last that he never wore and gave back to me and after eating my late night bowl of vanilla ice cream... I saw my dad. He used to eat a bowl of ice cream or chips and a slice of cheese almost every night. And lo and behold... now I am doing it. I wonder quietly what it is that I do that my daughters will pick up from me as they grow older?

And all of a sudden I wonder how much of him do I reflect? And better yet, how much of Him do I reflect? As we all strive to please our fathers or even our Father, how much of our compassion for others is in His image? How much of our passion is a resemblance of Him? It isn't all that difficult to decipher. He made it fairly simple. Yesterday, today, tomorrow... how much do I grow to be more like my Daddy?

alone.

2009-03-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

by yourself is an odd place. if you are truly alone you can scream as loud as you can and nobody can hear you. you can think out loud, talk to yourself, act goofy, run, dance, jump. alone is a free place. you dont feel the pressure to please anyone or the tension to do what is right or expected and there is a freedom in that. sometimes, i cherish that alone time. in fact, most every night i wait for that alone time when it finally settles down at my house and everyone is asleep but me. the television is more than likely on but irrelevant. quietness overcomes me as i sit in "my" chair looking increasingly like my father... pajama pants, same old t-shirt and those horrible house shoes. i dont know why i wear them. i hate the fact that i feel the need to but maybe it is part of my genetical makeup... dna? alone. no one to answer. no one to question. no one to listen to. no one to talk back. completely alone... well, except for God.

there is such solitude and peace and freedom in being alone. by yourself is an odd place. the place that brings such stillness is also the same place that brings restlessness. i completely acknowledge the difference between alone and lonely. in fact, that is the difference in and of itself. alone on the flip side is a horrible, singular, blinding, deafeningly silent place. as much as i covet my personal quiet solitude i never want to exchange it for loneliness. for those who have experienced that type of failing trade, an emotional bailout is in order. only after three recent days apart from my soul mate and i am a desolate human. i live in temporary lostness when we are apart. yet too often i experience the same thing when we are together. there are times when i take for granted the treasure i am honored to call my wife. after about 48 hours apart neither one of us is fun to be around. we get to missing one another. it just happens. we both love our alone time. neither of us wants to experience loneliness.

briefly alone... ok. other than that, i'm out. in fact God even said that it was not good for man to be alone. i bet He was thinking about me.

friends are friends forever.

2009-03-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

Back in the day, this song by MWS was played at every graduation, church youth group, and retreat in the entire South Eastern United States. It almost shames me that I at one time cried after hearing this song and even now this song turns my stomach (in a much different way). But the theme still runs true. Friends (real friends) are friends forever. After a weekend involving lots of re-visits with old friends, I have been reminded of this simple fact. Try this some time just for fun...

joerodneytomjohnmarcstevenkeithshanamelissakelleymelodietoddrusstreyshanesusanchrisshawnkevindavidshannongaryjasonmattjimmytoddkipbradmatteloajustinbrocknickwilliamdavesonnylukejeffmatttonyabridgettkristenamandajenniferkevintomderrickphillipbenduncanraymondchrischadchrisrandygarmoncjantwantonyfloyddavidmikejohnalanmaryzacdwaindanajoelcraigbriandukephiltimbrettjoetylermacjondeechadronnieandymicahelliotdarelldustinkevindaveyjaredmichaelbillbobsandortimeddiejohnnylesliemichelesisdavejoeymattsherrymonacindytracytawanabrandonbrockglenroblonniestevewilledevierobbirralphrachaeltimothythomastashaicemanjonathanirisolivianickprestonpamelapaulmarcimatthewmelvincharlesiraianjasoneggychrisbutchcalvinbrandimaudeangelaaustinsethdustyfredgregharryjustinekarllarryalisallydevonfelixgennielaurenharmonyjuliaroyalicekimlawrencemistynataliebertriceviccandizoraadamsharondorisfrankgillhollyjessiekolbylorenqvariuswilliamellarufustorreyyasmineuniceivanoliverpete.

It took me about five minutes to just list the first names of people who I call friend. The list thankfully is much more exhaustive than this but I got tired of thinking. After spending time with friends this weekend I am thankful for them all. It is just so nice t have people in your life who get you. I mean you don't have to explain yourself at all. If you try they see through the crap because they know the real you. They see past the bad and know first hand the good. It is like you never have to catch back up you just carry on.

Good friends are hard to come by for some people. I am a man who has been blessed with many... good friends.

If crack were Christ...

2009-03-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

For the last several years I have really studied what it means to be a leader. I have read the books, gone to the conferences and even know the quotes... "Leaders aren't born, they are made." "Leaders aren't made, they are born." "Leaders aren't made nor born, they are the ones who stand up and out in front under severe circumstances." For the love... Which one is it?

Over the years and even again today I wonder about the line. The line between leading someone and manipulating someone. I mean think about it. In both cases you are imposing your influence on someone else for a desired result. What is the difference? Since I now serve in the drug and alcohol recovery world... let's take crack for example. If I am an addict and misery breeds company then I am possibly likely to lead someone else down the crack path with me. I impose my influence on them for my desired result. Is it me leading them or is it me manipulating them? What if crack were Christ? If I am trying to lead someone to follow Christ, I want them to see things how I see things. I impose my influence on them for yet another desired result.

I believe the difference between leading someone and manipulating someone is simple. It is at the core a matter of motive. What is my motivation? If I impose my influence on someone is it for their best interest or is it for my gain? Is it about what I can give them or is it about what I can take from them? I just believe that Christ may be our best role model yet again. His motive was never selfish. He never manipulated anyone. He led them. His motive was pure. To give life. To give His life so we all could gain life eternal.

We all lead. Some in big ways, some in small ways. What is your motive?

a mile in her shoes.

2009-02-17T17:07:00.000-08:00

I was reminded today that my perception of someone else's reality doesn't necessarily equate reality. Think about it... how quick are you to judge someone just by their appearance? What about the tattooed guy eating lunch in the park? What about the mom with more kids than she can possibly provide for (14 total and 8 at one time)? Even in church, when someone walks past you what do most of us automatically do? We make an assumption.

I was reminded today that I don't know what it is like at someone else's house. I mean, it could be picture perfect. Everything is all together. No problems that are visibly evident. But what really happens when they all get home? Is there distance between them? Is there hurt between them? Its like the old saying, "Don't judge the book by its cover." I am unbelievably grateful that God looks at my heart instead of my actions or even my outward appearance... the frown, the look of despair, the image that we too often read in to.

You never know all of the circumstances unless they are yours. You never truly know until... you walk a mile in her shoes.

seize the day

2009-02-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

One of the rules that I so desperately attempt to live by is really simple. make the most of every moment. Seize the day for what it has to offer. Now I'm not overboard getting up at 4:00 in the morning like one man I know but I do attempt to use every waking hour to my advantage. I am a night person (not to be confused with a person of the night) and I stay up piddling around because I don't want to miss out on anything. I've always been that way. I feel the need to squeeze every opportunity out of every hour.

In my prior job I really thought I'd retire there. That's really crazy since I'm only 36... but I thought Randy, Phillip, Kevin, Tom, Derrick, CJ, Tony, Chris T, Wade, Chris, Garmon, Twan, and even Floyd... we'd always work together. In fact I lived almost every day with the pattern of not taking any of it all for granted because I just wanted to live it all up. I have this burning inside me that just wants to live each day like it may be my last.

So, whatever it is... your wife/husband, your kids, your church, your job, your friends, where you VOLUNTEER, or whatever it (LIFE) looks like for you... seize it all. Don't live timid. Don't look back. Dream. Run wide open. Don't say I'll do it tomorrow... Tomorrow begins Today.

troubled and saved for there.

2009-02-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

I have been troubled lately. About ten days ago I was walking through my local grocery store and noticed a man standing near the baby diapers. I noticed him because he was looking at the different brands quite thoroughly and I remembered the days... Well, I did my shopping and went and stood in line. As I approached the end of the line this same man walked rather quickly right past me, in front of me actually, and right out the front door. He had a a little plastic hand basket full of stuff and diapers on the top. As her left the store I watched him walk across the parking lot faster and faster and then as he approached his van (which was parked right next to my truck) he hit sprint speed and jumped in the van as it was already leaving the station!

I was amazed. I was shocked. I was mad. I was heart-broken. I was troubled. I don't know if I was more troubled that I witnessed this and did nothing or if I was more troubled that he stole baby diapers. This really bothered me. It happened so fast all I could do was watch and then... he was gone. troubled.

And for some weird reason I have been checking the obituaries in the paper every other day for the last two or three weeks. I don't know why. But as I turn to the columns of words written about the recently deceased, my eye always looks to see how old they were when they passed. I see death with completely un-spiritual eyes way too much. I know when we die (as believers) we will meet our ultimate reward but it takes me a while to get there. I think about death and tragedy and my heart hurts because someone is stripped away from those who love them. Anyway, we had a fatal traffic accident by my house about two or three weeks ago and I was about six minutes ahead of the accident. That has troubled me.

Then I find myself becoming restless with me. And then... I have one of those quiet "me and God" moments. I sense Him speak to me in a moment of stillness and quietness. The reason you are troubled is because you are seeking to fit into a place you were not designed to fit. It's like I'm trying to make my place in this world when ultimately I wasn't made for this world. So can I find peace? Yes, but peace in Him. So do I fit? No... maybe for a time and at a certain place. But the bottom line is I can not find that Utopian comfort because it is not to be found here. It is saved for there.

2 Corinthians 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal."

Under The Influence 2

2009-01-20T20:03:00.000-08:00

As I have thought about it all over the past several days... there are quite a few more men that have been incredibly influential in my life... so I continue. And just for the record there is no specific order.

Randy Sheeks - Randy taught me how to fear riding with others. Among other things, he also was a great example of organization and excellence. Except for his desk he always seemed to have it together. He taught me that laughing could possibly be a spiritual gift. We laughed a lot together. He has shown me how to carry and present myself with a Godly dignity and was the greatest picture of integrity. A great man.

Joe Mayeux - After spending almost every Thursday morning with Joe for more than a year... he taught me how to be a great husband. Through his teaching and through his example. He poured into my life in so many ways. He is one of those tender warrior types that you aspire to be like. A great man.

Darrell Garrett & Elliot Hicks - Wow. Almost ten years ago, who knew? These two guys in tandem allowed me to see what real friendship is all about. They saw the real me and chose to still call me friend. I can't really explain it... it's like a brotherhood in and of itself. With these two, I know if I go to battle... they've got my back. They have proven that time and time again. Two great men.

Jerry Hart - My father in law. A man that can do anything. He's been a resource like no other. When I break something... he tells me how to fix it. At an early age he invested into my life always teaching me. He trusted me when I didn't appreciate it. He has taught me more that just about anyone else in my life about being a handyman (not that I'm all that handy). Most importantly he trusted me with his daughter. A great man.

Tim Brown - Tim taught me that some people in this world do get it. He is one of the most sincere men I have ever known. He lifted me up so many times when I needed it most. He too believed in me. I have said many times that there are few pastors that I would love to work with... Tim Brown is tops on that list. A great man.

This may continue for a third season and if it does... just read and smile.

happy Anniversary to me...

2009-01-17T19:47:00.000-08:00

one year ago today...

I experienced one of the most bitter-sweet moments of my entire adult life. As I have gone throughout my day today I have reflected back to the one day and even the one moment that truly changed the course of my families future. One year ago today, I sat alone on the beach conversing with God. It was a very private moment and a deeply personal moment. I guess from the time I sat down until the time I had some clarity it probably totalled somewhere between 20-30 minutes. Karie and I had felt these inner nudges but really couldn't figure out what they were all about. You see, I was living out my dream. I had a great job, surrounded by amazing people, and I worked for the Almighty. But we were so unsettled. We knew something was up but just couldn't put it all together. THEN... January 17th... the moment of clarity. As I sat there I sensed in a crazy-real kind of way that God was speaking to me. I didn't hear Him but I heard Him... (that's wild I know). As Daddy spoke to my heart I felt this... "If you trust Me... step out." Followed by "Draw a line in the sand." So I did. The past year has been a whirlwind.

We didn't really step out in faith but more like ran as fast as we could toward the cliff, knowing it was a cliff, blind-folded, and just held hands and jumped! We left our comfort and the life we adored to pursue the next chapter. Little did we know that nine months later I would have a new job, our family would have a new church, we would move across town and we would have literally hundreds of new faces in our life. Happy? Not so much at first. Mainly confused mixed with a lot of trust and dependence. Happy? Now... more than I can possibly begin to describe. We love all the people that come into our life. It is like a new friendship every single day. So in the words of Pete Carroll... we've come to wake up every day "expecting something amazing to take place."

one year ago today...

Goals, Goals everywhere Goals

2009-01-16T07:26:00.000-08:00

First things first. How many words can you make from the word GOALS: slag, logs, go, as, Al, gas, sag, Sal, so, gal and maybe several others. I don't know about your world but in mine, the beginning of each new year always comes with someone telling me I should set some goals and they want to see them. I've been setting annual goals for more than a decade now and they seem to always be extremely similar.

Goals at work. Goals with my family. Personal goals. Goals at church. Personal spiritual goals. Financial goals. Physical fitness goals (Brian Burns... where are you when I need you most?). Goals, goals everywhere goals. If my beloved Crimson Tide could have scored that many goals against tebow maybe we could have won!

You get the idea. We launch out into each new year with a fresh set of goals and the zeal to conquer them all. As the first month rolls on maybe our goals are already in need of revision (that's a cool word by the way: Re and Vision - get my vision again). For me, I am one of those guys who simply needs to first of all know what the bottom line is in order to set the best goals.

for example: If I need to eliminate $1000 of debt this year... that's the bottom line and I can see it and set appropriate goals accordingly. If I set a goal to 'get closer to God' this year... that's the bottom line and I know I need to schedule a set reading and prayer time. But this year as I thought through this goal thing I have just stepped back and tried to get the BIG picture view and to reassess as well as determine my overall bottom line. As complicated as I may attempt to make it... it really is simple.

My ultimate bottom line, my ultimate goal in life is this. To live in such a way that I will one day stand before my Creator and hear Him say... "Well done son. Come join me forever."

Under the Influence

2009-01-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

Men have always influenced one another. Jesus influenced the disciples. Fathers influence sons. Leaders influence followers. Uncle Jesse influenced Bo and Luke. Influence is one of the factors that is at the root of human nature. It happens. Often for the good and some times for the bad. We can probably all think of a few bad influences... at least according to our mother's perspective. Who knows, maybe I am the bad influence that other kids moms warned them about.

Regardless of who, where, when, or even how we have all been influenced by someone. As I thought about the magnitude of influence I began to reflect back on my own personal top 10 list of men who at different phases of my life have had a significant impact and influence. This is not a comprehensive list and there is really no real order to it except for the last one I'll list. I will save the best for last...

10. Perry Haymon - When I was in junior high school Perry was attending our church and he was then a college student at UA. He was the most brilliant man I had ever known at the time. He was an engineer and he helped me develop a science project that actually competed in the state science fair finals (I didn't win). But Perry was a teacher. He allowed me to think for myself. He taught me the concept of discovery. He wouldn't tell me the answers but rather showed me how to figure them out for myself. I probably owe my "take it apart and put it back together" mentality to him. A great man.

9. Jonathan Barnett - Now Dr. Barnett, and for a brief time my dentist. I was a junior in high school and he was a junior at UA and also attended my church. Jonathan was also a brilliant thinker. He allowed me to learn a few life lessons the hard way. I would say that Jonathan had an influence on my life by showing me how to live as a Godly young man. No matter what the pressures were on him, he stuck to his faith and his decisions followed. A great man.

8. Kevin Kelley - One of my best friends in this entire world. We often joke that we had to be brothers from seperate mothers. Even in recent years we realized ways that we were more alike than we ever knew. He was my mentor. We traveled the world together and he taught me everything I knew/know about being a youth pastor. I learned from him how to be tough and how to be gentle. I learned from him how to take advantage of every moment in life. Every day hold countless numbers of teachable moments if we are only looking for them. I owe him more than I'll ever be able to repay. A great man.

7. Sonny Howell/Luke Morgan - This spot gets a tie. These two guys were friends in college. I was trying to experiment and find my way and they were solid as rocks. I was desperately looking for my identity and they gave me a simple push in the right direction. They may neither know it but they had a huge impact on my life. Two great men.

6. Raymond Culpepper - I spent 8 years of my life following and hanging on every word he spoke. He gave me the freedom to spread my wings and fly in ministry. There are so many one-liners that have stuck with me over the years that came from him. I watched how he carried himself as a professional and that stuck with me as well. Quotes: "What's more important is not how many people we bring in but rather how many people we send out." "We have accomplished nothing if after 20 years here we are just a flash in the pan." A great man.

5. Barry Copeland - In recent years Barry worked with me so much on public speaking skills. Every once in a while I would say something in a public setting and afterwards Barry would come and coach me a little. He has always been so encouraging and he never failed to leave me lifted. He also has shown me so many things about the market place and little pieces here and there about being a successful professional. A great man.

4. Bill McKenzie - He is my doctor which may be a little odd since he is an OB/GYN. But not only does he keep me healthy, he is a true friend. I have watched him as a father and husband and I know that he is someone I want to be like. I don't want to be him but rather I want to lead and live in the same kind of way he does. He loves his kids and they love him. He is an amazing example of a Godly father. A great man.

3. Chris Goins - One of the most profound relationships in my adult life... he gave me a chance to develop as a teacher. He pushed me to always be better and do my best everyday. He has been a great example for me in every aspect. He taught me how to think creatively. He taught me how to communicate creatively. A great man.

2. Roy McSwain - Otherwise known as Paw Paw. He just turned 87 a few days ago. I have seen him in some tough places with his health but he is a real example of a fighter. He's not mean or angry or even all that big but he has outlived two wives and a girlfriend. He fights hard. maybe it has something to do with serving in WWII. Everytime I am around him I am challenged to be better. When I see him I just want to be a fighter. A man who fights for what he knows is right and what matters. A great man.

1. Ken Andrews - The greatest man I know. I love his idiosynchrisies. I love the way he sits, stands, walks... there are patterns to them all. He has taught me how to love children. he has taught me how to love a wife. He has taught me how to get back up when you get knocked down. But more than any of that he has taught me how to love other people and to be a servant. These are two of the values that I hang my hat on. I strive to be that kind of man everyday. All of that was modeled to me by my hero... the greatest influencer of them all... my dad. A great man.

So what does your list look like?

2009

2009-01-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

Inspired recently by a message that I heard at my church I looked up the lyrics to the tune that so many will cheer at the stroke of midnight each New Years Eve. If you've never read the words I encourage you to look them up... it is a journey in and of itself. From what I gather personally coupled with the "interpretation" from my pastor I see that we sing of the thoughts of days gone by. Most noticeably the days that have just passed by... like this past year.

I am sure so many have turned contemplative in the past week or so and may have even resolved to make some changes in this fleeting year and I would for that reason like to pass on my thoughts on someone else's words. Here's some good medicine:

From this past year... celebrate the victories. Maybe too often when something good happens to us or maybe even when we accomplish something great maybe, just maybe... we rapidly move on to the next dilemma without properly celebrating the victories. At work? When you get it right do you truly celebrate. Not to be confused with gloating or pride but I mean genuine celebration. At home with your children? When the good grades arrive or the picture that has been colored so brilliantly gets placed before you... Enjoy it. Savor it. Live in that victory for just a brief time in order to be recharged and reminded that you do have it in you.

Also from this past year... keep the good. From the awful gas prices we paid this year to the buckling economy... somewhere in the midst of all of that is our life. I say look back and pull out the good things that happened. The new jobs, the new friendships, the good people, the good places, the good things. Hold on to them. Let them propel you into the coming year.

Lastly as we revisit the past year... get rid of the bad. The failures, the disappointments, the hurt, the loneliness, the broken... leave it all in 08. Don't drag it all around. Bid farewell to the bad and run fast into the good.

So as we recover from the overindulging holidays, step out and make 2009 the best year you have ever had in ALL aspects of your life.

the Beauty of Christmas

2008-12-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

After traveling across the grand state of Alabama, the Andrews' Christmas has finally come to an end. With visits from Uncle Nolan and Uncle Joel, a dirty Santa toilet seat for mom (not to be confused with mom's dirty toilet seat), our first Christmas in our new home, and a special visit from Saint Roy (a.k.a. Big Paw Paw) we could not imagine how we could be more blessed this holiday season. I have always heard that as you get older and have children that your Christmas really becomes more about them and fight that notion as I tried... it is true. Ella's new big girl bike and massive doll house all the way to Olivia's Wii we have had so much fun playing with the girls. Who knew you could develop Wii elbow? My wrist hurts, my shoulder went out on about my fourth pitch, and I literally worked up a sweat playing nine holes of Wii golf.

But when it has been all said and done, my greatest gift this Christmas has been the friends who know me and still call me friend and the incredible family I have been so richly blessed with. Speaking of family... I keep waiting for some reality tv crew to show up and film my family during the holidays. We are definitely the red-neckersons. I hope everyone who reads this has a wonderful New Year and may all of God's blessings flow to you and yours.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T09:46:00.001-08:00

Well, I have to admit that this is truly my favorite time of the year. In what I am now doing job-wise... I get to see God showing off a little bit for just being Him. This year at Christmas has been over the top. At The Foundry, I have seen an outpouring of Him in some pretty practical ways. Just for example... we do this thing called Gifts of Hope where we collect gifts for our residents' children. These guys and gals have been here with us for quite a few months and have had no income and therefore have no means of buying gifts for their children. Well, that fell to me to handle this year.

I didn't really solicit any group but rather just let people be aware as they asked what our Christmas needs were. The God showed up. Every resident at The Foundry who needed assistance got huge bags full of toys for their children and we even were able to bless families within the community that just couldn't make it this Christmas without some help.

All in all... somewhere between $5,000-$6,000 dollars worth of toys were distributed to more than 131 children. Thanks for any of you who gave. Thanks be to God for making it all happen. He really is the reason for the season.

To all of our family and friends... throughout the year we may not call, return calls, or see you that often but be reminded this Christmas season that Karie, Olivia, Ella and I think of you often and love and cherish you.

Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year.

I Wonder?

2008-12-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

I met a 71 year old lady earlier this week at the store down from my house. As we began to talk she shared stories about when she was in high school. She told me she was divorced and I couldn't help but wonder...

I met a retired college professor and school teacher this past week as well. She is an African American who has spent the second half of her life living in Birmingham. She was extremely inteligent and had more southern charm than Scarlet O'Hara ever dreamed of. As I listened to her talk I coldn't help but wonder...

I met about a dozen young men at a local urban high school this week. They are a part of a group called Young Men of Distinction. They are learning manners, etiquete, and very impressive life skills. As I talked with them I couldn't help but wonder...

With a mild, self-diagnosed, case of adlt on-set ADD I find myself wondering quite a bit. I wonder when was the last time I filled my tank for $1.52 per gallon (other than today). I wonder if I am doing it right when it comes to raising my daughters. I wonder when Christ is going to return. I wonder how my country is going to rebound and when from our troubled economy. I wonder what suprise my mom has in store for me this Christmas. I wonder about old high school friends. Wonder, wonder, wonder.

I wonder if my new 71 year old friend lives with regret? If she could change one thing from her past what would it be? I wonder about the retired educator. What emotional scars does she carry from living in Bham during the heat of the Civil Rights Movement? What has she seen in life that haunts her and how does she deal with it all? I wonder about the young men who impressed me as they shared their ambitions and dreams of the future. I wonder what they will be doing ten years from now? I wonder what I'll be doing ten years from now.

I also wonder about a song we used to sing... God of Wonders. I cherish the fleeting thoughts that I have every once in a while about God when for an instant I get it. I catch a glimpse of what He may be up to in my life. I adore the times when I am sitting still and my mind drifts toward God and I am at pure peace in that moment. I wonder what He thinks about me? I wonder what He thinks about what I think about... after all, He is the God of Wonders.

12-1

2008-12-06T17:14:00.000-08:00

Well, believe it or not... ALL is well at the Andrews' house. I would love for Alabama to have beaten florida earlier tonight but it just didn't happen. But, if you watched the game you have to admit Alabama played extremely well. Very few mistakes on either side of the ball. Alabama just never made the Big play that we really needed. Now, for the unbelievable auburn fans that decided it would be a good idea to call me about losing to florida... are you nuts?

Let me just remind you that just a mere seven days ago we caused the firing of your coach. We humiliated your tigers and sent the rumble through the plains. Please, all auburn supporters, God rest their souls, please consider the reality of your plight before you comment on ALABAMA FOOTBALL. And for those who wonder about rammer jammer... it still applies.

Hey tigers... we just beat (you know the rest). 36-0

I find it a little ironic that I turn 36 tomorrow. What a blessed year it will be.

facts are facts.

2008-12-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

I know my recent posts have all been about Alabama football but hey, cut me some slack. We are in the midst of an amazing season and it's been dry lately so let me live a little. So here I sit on the eve of the SEC Championship. My boys are ranked number 1 in the entire nation. Whether you agree with that ranking or not... its the facts. As I check my emotions I am excited that we have a chance to have another SEC title and be playing for the BIG ring. I have heard the points line shift about a dozen times this week and I like our chances more since we are considered the number one team in the country and a ten point underdog. Anyway, I am anxious. I am trying to contain my tongue. I am just short of prayerful. I am extremely hopeful. I would love to play in the big game again this season. I wonder if Alabama can't beat florida tomorrow how many auburn fans will call me... to which I will respond.

we still beat auburn 36-0. fact.

PRICELESS...

2008-12-02T07:03:00.001-08:00

beautiful reflections of a glorious day.

2008-12-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

Rammer Jammer...

2008-12-01T11:51:00.001-08:00

Well, after a long dry spell in the great state of ALABAMA my beloved Crimson Tide has finally come alive. I have waited patiently and for the most part quietly for more than 2,190 some odd days for this very weekend. Some might read that figure and think of auburn's past dominance but I read that number just before I mention these numbers.

36-0

Complete domination! auburn looked like a 4A high school team up against ALABAMA. BAMA had total control. The week prior to the game I kept hearing that BAMA was a two touchdown favorite. How about a five touchdown favorite? I heard that ALABAMA had not played a defense of the caliber of auburn's defense. Please tell me that was a joke? Two words that I just can't use in the same sentence is auburn's defense. Two more words... auburn's offense. Am I loving it all right now? You better believe it. After all of that trash talk I have received from auburn fans for the last few years... please, just please, take your verbal lashings from the BAMA nation because auburn got crushed. And one more thing, I have been overwhelmed in just two short days of the BAMA thrashing by auburn fans turned gator fans.

I wonder if they are actually listening to themselves? I say ROLL TIDE and they say... watch out for florida. I say 36-0 and they say... watch out for tebow. How quickly they jump ship when tommy takes them downstream! For all of you former auburn fans... I really don't care about florida. An SEC championship would be great and a chance to play for the national championship would be ever better. But my reality is this. ALABAMA has only 9 scholarshipped seniors graduating, one of the best incoming classes for next year and a coach who simply knows what he is doing. Everyone says that "we are ahead of schedule". Whatever that means. I say... it's good to be at the top. The future in Tuscaloosa is bright as ever and regardless of what happens this coming Saturday...

we still beat auburn 36-0. Rammer Jammer.

obsession.

2008-11-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

As I sit here in what is about to become my previous living room, I can't help but notice the boxes. You see we have been packing for about a week now preparing to move and the majority of my earthly possessions are right here in this room. There are large, heavy boxes dwarfing the many smaller and more fragile boxes. They have instructions written on the outside like kitchen, master bedroom, garage. The memories that have been stored away for so long have been recently uncovered in an effort to downsize. I can only imagine what the garbage collectors must be thinking as the piles have grown day after day with discard.

As I sit here in what is about to become my previous living room, I am accompanied by the smell of cardboard. All of my possessions. All of my obsessions. In days of old men were not measured by what they had but rather who they were. Their word outweighed their stuff. They were known by their reputation not by their collections. But somewhere, sometime that all changed. Unfortunately we often measure success by our piles of boxes. We may have become obsessed with what we possess.

The scriptures refer to it something like this... where a man's treasures are... there is his heart. Maybe it is time for an obsession with confession. Time for obsession with compassion. Obsession with truth instead of perceived wealth. I wonder... where is your obsession?

Movin' On Up?

2008-11-18T18:57:00.000-08:00

Alright... it has been a while but I've been extremely busy. Cheering on the number 1 team in the nation is a tough gig. Wait, that's not what I mean. I meant to say that Karie and I are moving (Olivia and Ella are as well). In fact we close this Friday at 9 on our present house and at 1 on our new house. It has been miraculous. Literally, in the present housing market our house sold in 10 weeks and we fell into a great home. It is the model home in a new neighborhood. Tons of add on's and bonuses. I'll share more later but you can see from the pics why we are so excited.

PTL.

ZERO.

2008-10-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

As a right of passage in my house as a young lad, each Saturday between September and late November was spent cheering on the Crimson Tide. It never was an issue that we lived about seven or eight miles from the actual campus but it was just such a part of our childhood. You were just used to stories about AL football being on the news every night... even in April. Seeing players out about town wasn't all that unusual. Heck, even our mall was named University Mall. The University of Alabama is a big piece of my "heritage". Now don't get me wrong, my allegiance to a state, univerisity, former coaching legend (God rest his soul), or football team will remain in its place and will never interfere with real priorities. But... tonight I must make this proclamation to all those tormented, miserable, begging for the bleeding to stop, hateful, obnoxious, pain in the tail, you make me want to puke, disillusioned, how you like me now, Auburn fans.

4 and 4 stinks. That means that as good as you can possibly be... you are equally that bad. There are a few certain Auburn fans that have irritated me for the last few years and all I have to say is Mike Shula is available as an offensive coordinator, coach, mentor, or even player (he has one year of eligibility left). I truly hope in the most inward places of my soul that Alabama destroys Auburn this year (I will be there) but if they don't I can take pure joy in the fact that this week Auburn is 4-4 and in essence... they are 0.

The Struggle...

2008-10-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

I think way too much at times and far too little at other times. But this weekend I had one of those still, quiet, moments of thinking and one of the greatest struggles made sense for a brief moment. I get frustrated at myself and for so many others who just seem to struggle. Some with self, some with sin, some with those around them, some with everything. There are days that I wish I could wake up and go about my business and it would just be easy. I have dreams about what a day would look like free of conflict and struggle. I know the scriptures about how we are not supposed to be at great peace because we are "foreigners" on this earth and I get that but where's the reality of all of that?

Then it hit me. That is the reality. The struggle for me is simply this... My faith and my skin occupy the same space.

Until that one day changes, the struggle will remain. How about 2 Corinthians 4 where it says "So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever."

Sunday Perspective...

2008-10-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

After a long week of ups, downs, surprises, disappointments, frustrations and the like... nothing does the mind and soul any better than a dose of Jesus" to launch into the new week. I feel that many may recharge or redirect their short term perspective on Sunday's as they enter the house of worship of their choice. Here's what I mean... it doesn't take an individual long at all to become self seeking and become completely consumed by selfish desires. In fact, our world tells us daily that we deserve lots of things. It's our choice. Do something for yourself today. You know, that distorted message we get bombarded with constantly. Well, if you hear it enough you may just buy into it. And then Sunday rolls around and we come back to our senses that the Word says, that if we want to gain the world we have to lose our self. We remember that real life is not all about ME. Sunday perspective. It's sort of like an attitude adjustment.

Well, as I drove to work this week I was listening to U2 and Sunday Bloody Sunday came on and I recharged my global perspective. How quickly can my little piece of the world become the only piece of the world? Really... for the most part many of us see things from just from our own view. We think that our brand of Christianity is the real version. Or our deep south Jesus is the most authentic. Our sports are the best. That means that we really believe that no other conference is as tough as the SEC. But what about Ireland? What about Africa? What about China? What about South America? Do they miss it? I'm not saying that I want to move or anything because my perspective tells me that America is definitely the greatest place on the globe. But don't you think that there may be someone in another country that feels the same way about their nation?

Most importantly... what about God? Ever wonder how He sees it all? I wonder if He holds us accountable ultimately based on the undeniable Truth but also with a splash of our culture. Don't misread this that Truth is culturally relevant but I mean about how we worship, how we pray, how we treat our neighbors, how we treat the piece of land beneath our feet. Are there variables built in to this whole thing? Truth is Truth and is not up for debate but I really wonder if He is much more flexible than we (I) often think? Sunday Bloody Sunday just reminds me that my perspective is not the only, the best, the most sanctified, or the most important.

His is.

I was born in a small town...

2008-10-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

From the lyrics of John Cougar Mellencamp, Johnny Cougar or John Mellencamp... whichever flavor you prefer... he wrote a song a while back with the words, "I was born in a small town" and today I was reminded of just how special living in a small town really is. Not that I actually live in a small town but I work in a small town. Bessemer Alabama. Home of great food and the Purple Tigers of Jess Lanier High School.

As I sat in my office today I heard the drums of what sounded like a high school marching band. I lept from my desk to open me shutters and lo and behold... it was a dang parade! Sure nuff. I haven't seen a high school Homecoming parade in years. In fact I thought the Springville Tigers (home of Karie, Olivia, and Ella Andrews)were the only one's who still had Homecoming parades. Anyway, I may be just out of the 'high school homecoming day parade loop'.

All of that to say this... I walked outside and sat for about 15 minutes and watched new cars from the local car lot serve as a carriage for the queen and her court only to be followed by band after band after band. I actually watched people sitting through the sunroof of finely displayed automobiles as they threw candy to all of the kids lined up and down the street. Imagine this... a 98 Oldsmobile with chrome trim and 22's. Who knew the Olds was making a comeback?
Anyway, I sat and thought about the state of our market/economy/401K's/housing market and for just about 15 minutes none of that even mattered. As I sat there I remembered that I work in a great small town, I live in a great city and state, and even better I am a citizen of the greatest nation on the planet. Who's going to win the election you ask? Who cares, it's America. Where will we get the 700 billion dollars for the bailout? Who cares, this is the Home of the Free. OK, maybe those last two things are a little overboard but hopefully you feel me here.

When you take a minute to slow down, pause the hustle of your life, and for a moment let YOU be SIMPLE... see if you hear the band coming down the street. It's Homecoming.

How 'bout them Sox?

2008-10-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, in the midst of euphoria in the Bammer-Nation... once again the seasonal exit of Major League Baseball is upon us. I barely know how to contain myself during the next few weeks simply because I have gone from 0-2 to 3-2 in my fantasy football team, my Tide is 6-0, and my favorite MLB team is poised for another World Series. I make no bones about it. I'm a bandwagon Boston Red Sox fan. My only credibility is that I have been this way for the past seven seasons. Karie laughed at me this past post season because when I thought she had gone to bed, she entered the living room late one October 07 night to find me sifting through old baseball cards, wearing my Red Sox hat, and watching the World Series.

At my house, this is the ultimate sporting time of the year. The weather is changing, my teams are winning, and I have a satellite that keeps me connected. For all the naysayers... "How Bout Them Sox?"

We Are...

2008-10-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday at church, we finished a series called "At The Movies" which took popular movies and intertwined them into matters of faith. This final message revolved around the movie "We Are Marshall". In a nutshell, the premise was how a college football team faced disaster head on. When a plane crash claims the lives of members of the Marshall University football team and some of its fans, the team's new coach (McConaughey) and his surviving players try to keep the football program alive. The plot reaches a pivotal point when the new coach takes a road trip on the morning of game day. The team travels to the cemetery where six of the former players have been laid to rest. In an emotional moment he addresses his players and informs them that "the funerals end today." His reference was to the fact that in order to move forward we have to forget the past.

Sitting next to my beautiful wife I was overwhelmed at the number of people sitting around us that were sniffling and wiping tears as we witnessed this real life example of what happens to so many of us.

We get crippled by the mistakes, the errors, the sins of our past. We walk around with this feeling of guilt, regret, and sometimes hopelessness about certain areas of our life. Areas like a marriage that did not last. Areas like a dream that failed to come true. Areas like a failure in a relationship, at work, at school, or personally. Maybe we become spiritually handicapped by a decision in our past. Here's a big one... what about our immediate past. Like yesterday. How can I experience the freedom that comes from the loving God when just in the past 24 hours I have blown it?

Well, according to God's Word... He removes our sins and separates them from us as far as the east is from the west. He casts them into the sea of forget fullness. Our repentant soul is washed clean.

So where does that leave me today? Well, I am under the impression that when it comes to the wreck of my past... the funerals end today. I will no longer mourn and grieve over what has been covered by the blood of Jesus. I will move on. I can move on. I will move on hand in hand with my Redeemer and Savior.

Let your funerals end today...

Daddy & Olivia Day

2008-09-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well, the time finally came. I had to "train my oldest in the way she should go". This past Saturday I took Olivia to her first Alabama game. She has tailgated with us several times and loves the environment of the BAMA Nation but this was her first exposure to the game environment.

It all started early Saturday morning as just me and Olivia went to the Waffle House for breakfast. She wanted to know more about the football game (I swear it was her idea). So I took out a pen and some paper and explained to her what a QB, Running Backs, Tight Ends, and Offensive Lines were all about. I explained the Coaching Staff and where the Cheerleaders would be and how first downs worked. Breakfast was great and how she and I combined ran up a $18 tab at WH I still don't understand.

When we got to Tuscaloosa later in the day we went shopping. We bought her "anything she wanted" and she picked a pink Alabama fleece and a pink Alabama visor. We bought our pom poms and even picked up some things for Ella. Then we made our way to the Quad to meet B and Jason. Olivia climbed the climbing wall, ran and played on the blow-ups and just had some kid fun... then came the serious business. What I had waited on was about to happen.

As we entered the stadium her little eyes were huge! There was so much to take in. She watched the band, we saw Grammie and Paw Paw, we bought snacks and made our way to our seats. As the game progressed she was all in to it. Every time Alabama would get a first down she would turn to me and yell, "First Down Alabama". When we scored, and it was often, she would give me a high-five and yell "TOUCHDOWN". She enjoyed the game but I learned a very valuable lesson... new things are to be experienced with family. I couldn't have had a better experience than with my baby girl... pink Alabama stuff and all.

The Great Escape...

2008-09-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

Thank the Lord for long weekends. Saturday morning Karie and I woke the girls up and suprised them with a get-a-way vacation. We had their bags packed when they got up and didn't tell them where we were going. They were so excited! We ended up at Ruby Falls and Rock city and then a weekend in Chattanooga. Who knew Chattanooga had so much to offer? We had a blast and it was good for the Andrews' family to have a weekend escape.

As you can see, we also went on a cruise down the TN river on the Southern Belle (Karie and I had a flashback to Chi Cruise days) and we also took the girls on their first carriage ride... (they played like Aunt B at her wedding) and they even got to drive the carriage. We swam in the pool and just had a great weekend together. We also found out that Olivia can NOT walk down the street without jumping, scratching, or pulling on something. Ella is the accident prone baby and is a threat to spill her drink, have ice cream all over everything, or spill whatever shouldn't be on anything she is wearing. They are amazing and we had a blast.

Roll Tide Roll

2008-09-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

Well, if you know me at all then you know this blog had to appear. Wow... what a game this weekend. Alabama simply stated... "unloaded on Clemson". Preseason rankings don't always stand up when it is first and ten. I lit the cell phone up as I watched my beloved Crimson Tide whoop up on Bowden's boys from SC. I had so much fun watching that game and it could have only been better if I had been with my dad and my brother. But unfortunately we were all spread out. I was in TN, my dad in AL and my brother in CA but it didn't matter... in our own place in our own way we whistled a little Rammer Jammer.

Who knows what this year will hold for the Tide? But I can't imagine a better way to start it!

Overwhelmed in 60 seconds

2008-08-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

I wonder if I am so complex that I am so far different than other people? I mean I can turn on a dime and I just wonder if anyone else ever feels this way? Here's what I mean...

One minute things are great in life. Everything just seems to be moving along in the order that I prescribe and the sun is shining and all of a sudden... BAM. Something clicks and there I am... in an emotional and attitudinal shift. I can go from great to shotty in about 60 seconds. It's the unecessary pressure of life that gets me. The finances. I only know a few people that don't face the financial pressure of making ends meet each month (and if the truth be known most of them have financial pressures of their own). But what gives? I mean I've been to poverty stricken places... I know just how little you can survive on. And what's the deal with insurance? You pay these monthly premiums and never use the stuff. It's funny how you never need it and can complain about it but when something happens you sure are thankful that you have it. The relationships. Why do other people have to be complicated? Why can't every one else see things just like I do? That would make it so much easier on me and after all isn't it all about me? Personal walk with God. My favorite hymn says, "prone to wonder" and unfortunately that too often fits for me. I am so glad that He doesn't see me like I often see Him. I am especially thankful that He doesn't treat me the way I sometimes treat Him. In all things... God is good. The health. I still get hung up sometimes about why people get sick. Is it my fault if I get deathly ill? Is is a sin thing? Is it a combination of stuff? I just get frustrated when I hear about people dying with this disease or that disease. Addiction. I heard someone say this weekend, "Don't we all have an addictive personality?" In fact, that person was me. I know people addicted to work, sports, the almighty dollar, food, security, and a long list of other self-centered things. Why is it so hard to keep it simple? Baggage. I don't mean suitcases but the stuff that we carry around from our past. The pain, the hurt, the lonliness, the disappointment, the unfufilled dreams. Why can't it be as easy as just moving on? I hear stories almost daily of friends who just get stuck in their own pile of issues and my heart breaks for them.

I guess in my pity party this morning I am reminded that no matter how quickly I can go from great to terrible... there is someone else out there that has it far worse than I do. It's strange how I find that comforting. When I get overwhelmed in a moment I guess it is good medicine to be reminded that He said He would never allow us to face more than we were equipped to handle. I assume that's part of the spiritual maturity thing.

For a little bit of self-therapy today I say... "Don't grow weary. Be of good courage and strong when simply standing. God is beside us... all the way till the end."

Lean On Me

2008-08-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

As I sat in my office early this morning, I was serenaded down the hallway by 30 plus women who are alive in the arms of recovery. I just sat and listened as they sang the old favorite... "Lean On Me". I was frozen in my seat, I couldn't move, all I could do was sit and listen... it was so beautiful. The actual singing was good at moments and not so good at other moments. I actually hate the song... I got over-exposed to this song when DC Talk covered it... they way overplayed it on the jukebox at youth camp and I am forever scarred.

Anyway, the moment was so real and so sincere and so full of new life. It was weird... I was paralyzed in my thoughts. I wanted to think about other things and get to work but all I could do was sit there until they finished. Lean On Me... that's where we all need to be... leaning and dependant on Him. I was just reminded as I sat there that I have been a little too dependant on myself lately. Ever been there? The place where you just do it for yourself instead of waiting on Him. If you at all like me there are just things in life that you'd rather just do than delegate them to someone else because it is just easier to do them yourself. Well, maybe that's the way many of us also approach our Heavenly Father. It's more of a hassle for me to involve Him than it is to just do it myself.

O.K. If it's just me that ever feels like that then immediately stop reading this and start praying for me... that may mean I am completely heathen. Take a minute this week, get still, and hum the little tune to yourself... "Lean on me, when your not strong..."

Update from Beijing

2008-08-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

Alright... I never post twice in the same day but here's the latest on Trey Hardee. After 3 out of ten decathalon events... HE IS IN THIRD PLACE! American Brian Clay is leading, some dude from some hard to say country is in second place and then its TREY! Because I still haven't figured out what time it is there and when he'll be on I haven't seen anything but maybe I'll see it tonight. Also, I found this article by R. Melick in the Bham News and just wanted to let everyone know what kind of kid Trey really is... GO USA.

RAY MELICKNews staff writer
Jan DiCesare doesn't know how all this happened; how her son, Trey Hardee, went from this gangly kid who spent all his time playing traditional sports such as football, basketball and baseball, to this man who is halfway around the world today, preparing to march into Olympic Stadium tonight for the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Olympics.

"I don't know that it has even sunk in yet," said DiCesare, from her home in Vestavia Hills. "Hopefully, we'll see him march in the Opening Ceremony, see him walk in with the United States team ... wow."

Vestavia Hills' Hardee, 24, will be competing in the decathlon for the United States in Beijing. He is still young for a decathlete, perhaps four years away from reaching his peak. But on the other hand, he's put up good enough numbers that he has to be considered a threat for a medal.

The decathlon is made up of 10 events that include running, throwing and jumping. One of the jumping events is the pole vault, which is where an athlete uses a long pole ... or a big stick.

"That vision the lady told me about, I didn't know what to think," DiCesare said. "It's one of those things you say, `That's nice,' and you tuck it away and don't really think about it. Maybe you tell the story once in awhile, but when you're watching your son playing football, basketball, baseball, and there's no `big stick' involved, you kind of forget about it.

"But one night, just after Trey signed a track scholarship with Mississippi State as a pole vaulter, I remembered. I looked at Trey and said, `Oh, my!'"

It was the pole vault that got Hardee scholarship offers from Mississippi State, Auburn, Florida and Arizona State. It was his ability to pole vault and high jump that convinced his coaches he might be something special in the decathlon.

"I knew the decathlon," said Mountain Brook track coach Greg Echols. "Trey's senior year at Vestavia, he was a heck of a hurdler, and the best pole vaulter in the state. And he was this big kid, like 6-foot-5.

"Most decathletes are big guys like that, guys that are tall and fast. And when they already know how to pole vault and hurdle - those are the two hardest events to learn. A lot of guys who can run and throw can't learn to hurdle and pole vault. But pole vaulters can learn to be throwers."

Hardee was winning without much effort, and Echols could see the potential that was being wasted.

One of the first people to really encourage me (in track) was Coach Echols," Hardee said. "He stopped me after an indoor track meet and asked me to listen to my coaches and respect what they were asking me to do in training. I'd never gotten any advice from the opposition before. It made me feel like that was really important.

"Then some other coaches started saying things to me like that, and I began to think, `Could all these respected track and field people be right? Maybe this is something I was meant to do.'"

DiCesare remembers when her son came home and announced he was going to be a professional pole vaulter.
"We laughed," she said. "We said, `Sure. But get a major where you can get a job and support yourself, too.'"

In his freshman year at Mississippi State, Hardee's coaches entered him in the decathlon. When State shut down its indoor track program, Hardee transferred to the University of Texas to compete for track coach Bubba Thornton, who had competed in the decathlon at LSU and is this year's Olympic track and field coach.

"Trey didn't set out to be a pole vaulter, much less a decathlete," DiCesare said. "There have just always been things in place. Only God could have written this story. I know we never expected it to unfold this way."

Even now, sitting in his room at the athletes' village in Beijing, working out at Dalian University, walking through malls looking at exotic foods, standing by the bay and thinking it's a fog rolling in, only to find out later it's industrial pollution, Hardee can't explain how this happened to him.

"It's hard to say how you go from being a child running around, climbing trees, to where I am," Hardee said. "There was always a family behind me, supportive and humbling.

"But for me, personally, I have always felt I haven't really achieved anything great because there is always something or someone better. Winning a state title was nice, but then came the NCAAs. Winning that was nice, but I wasn't the best ever. Then getting into the professional ranks was great, but nobody remembers an Olympic Trials second-place decathlete.

"I am always desiring to be better than I am, at anything - Scrabble, ping-pong, or track and field. My goal has always been to improve to the next best thing."

Hardee was asked how he would define "greatness."

"Greatness comes from being prepared when opportunities present themselves," he said. "I'm just doing my part to be as prepared as possible when the time comes. I know God has something special in store for me. It could be this Olympics, it could be the next. It could be off the track completely. I'm just along for the ride."

It's almost as if he never had a choice, as if this were simply his destiny.

Indeed, Hardee believes his success does not come from his own will to win, but "more to do with grace, mercy and love of God. Every time I turn around, I'm being blessed. Isaiah 40 says, `Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.'

"How perfect is that for the decathlon?"

Lightning Strikes Twice?

2008-08-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I wrote about witnessing a terrible motorcycle accident near where I work. You may remember that a motorcycle police officer was hit by a van whose passengers just happened to be two clowns. Well, a few streets over on the campus of where I work (The Foundry www.thefoundryonline.org) I was a first hand witness of another accident yesterday.

I was crossing the street with a few of our residents when out of the corner of my eye I saw a gentleman riding his bike... in a split second a van turned into him and hit the older man and flipped him over the hood of the van. I heard the man yell out and immediately the van gunned it! It was a hit and run right before my eyes. I was stunned and frozen in my tracks for a brief moment but quickly came to my senses. As the van sped off my attention turned to the man in the street. Someone started with him and I just reached down and picked up his bike and got them both out of the middle of the road.

The rescue unit and officers were on the scene quickly and fortunately the man was just cut up a bit... nothing major except his bike was messed up and we were all mad as fire about the person in the van making a run for it.

Here's the moral of this story... if you are the captain of any two wheeled vehicle or any mode of transportation with two wheels... stay away from me! The chances that you will be in some sort of accident may increase simply by being near me or Bessemer.

False Alarm

2008-08-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

One of the more trying scenarios in a persons life is sometimes related to false alarms. For rescue services nothing can be as frustrating as repeated false alarms. I mean imagine, you get the call and your heart starts racing. You rush to the scene of a potential harmful environment... only to realize that a cat has set off the alarm. You get the idea.

Well, just as an update to those who are interested... our home offer was just that. A false alarm. I don't think the people were really interested based on the offer we received. So, here we are again... seven days into the process. No big deal and maybe next time I will wait a little longer before blogging about it. By the way, I mentioned that Karie and I had found a house that we really like in Trussville... well, the picture above is not it. Remember to "seize the day".

Life to It's Fullest...

2008-08-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

When I was in college my mother sent me a letter (pre-email) and was basically doing her best as a mom to lift my spirits. First of all, she called me her "rough son". To this day I'm not sure if that was a compliment or a slam. Most importantly she told me that she loved my ability to "seize the day". As I have grown older that has really stuck with me. Truthfully, there are many days that I go through the motions only to realize that I didn't seize the day but rather the day seized me. I'm usually not in the best mooods after those days. But this morning Chris Hodges at Highlands made the statement that "Faith is an attitude". There was so much more to the message but I got hung up there. I truly want to live life like each day is the last one. Cliques like "leave it all on the field come to mind". And with that said... here's where we are at.

A2 lauched tonight and it was great to see so many friends. It was even more great to worship with Janet & Tony. I forgot how much I missed Chris' teaching. I truly love that guy. He's a true example of a man who strives for God's heart. A2 will make a difference in Birmingham.

We found a house. We call it the Highland House. This neighborhood is in Trussville and really is the entire reason we chose to sell our house and move out there. The exterior color of the house is terrible. The interior colors of the house make us sick... but the house itself is exactly what we've been looking for. It's a good thing that paint is cheap. Who knows... maybe we'll put an offer in? Speaking of offers, we are receiving an offer on our house tomorrow night! We are prayerful that it is along the lines of what we are asking. Only 6 days on the market and we have an offer! We'll see what will happen.

The job... those words are so not what is happening at The Foundry. I truly have found that next step in my life. I love the team I work with. I love the residents at The Foundry. If you haven't ever gone there... go to www.thefoundryonline.org

Olivia and Ella both have amazing teachers. They are already loving school. Ella asks if she can go back? I guess one day she'll realize she really doesn't have a choice.

Anyway, things are really rocking for our family. When you pray... pray for our house transition. Also pray that every day we will remember to "Seize The Day". I pray that you will.

Ever feel OLD?

2008-08-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this then chances are... we are friends. News flash to all friends of Micah Andrews (We are getting OLD). Now let's keep it in perspective. For those of you a few years my senior you are probably offended. For those of you a few years my junior you probably agree. For those of you that are much older than me... you are laughing and thinking something like, "He has no idea." Granted you are all quite possibly correct. However, when Karie and I sat and watched 41 year old Dara Torres cruise in to a first place finish in the Women's 50 meter freestyle semi's it all came back to me.

You see, Dara is an incredible athlete but the swim just a few minutes prior to that really made me think. I forget the names (its a sign of aging) but some girl breaks the longest standing Olympic swimming record which has stood for 19 years. The previous record holder had that world record for 19 years. The race was the 800 meter women's freestyle... 16 lenght's of the pool, held by Janet "somebody" (no disrespect intended, just can't remember). The girl that breaks that long standing record was like 2 years old or something when Janet set the record. As Karie and I watched that together I said, "That Janet lady is only two years older than you." Boy was that stupid... here again, my judgement has also lapsed in my growing number of years.

Anyway, I guess old is all about perspective. All in all...my hats off to Dara Torres. She's a new mom and 41 and oddly enough, swimming for GOLD. About all I do these days is dig for a little gold!

So, tomorrow night Karie and I will be cheering on the talented and somewhat old Dara. Go USA!

The Final Countdown...

2008-08-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well, not only is it one of the greatest 80's tunes by Europe but it is also the theme for 4412 Dolly Ridge Road. The home that Karie and I have loved for the past nine years is officially on the market. We were blessed with a wonderful home... not too big, not too small but much like the infamous bowl of porridge... it was just right.

Anyway, time to move on. T'ville, we're a comin'

2008 Olympics

2008-08-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I have always heard the saying, "it's not what you know but it's who you know." For the first time in my simple life I actually know someone competing in the Olympics... and he's a big time player!

About seven or eight years ago I had this lanky, good looking kid in my youth group named Trey Hardee. He was a quiet and yet seemingly solid young man whose family I adored. In fact I had the priveledge of marrying his older sister, Eden, and her husband Josh a few years back... he's a fighter pilot and I must say that it was one of the most memorable weddings that I have ever been a part of. Josh and his Navy buddies are men among men.

Anyway, Trey graduated from Vestavia then went on to Mississippi State on a track scholarship and eventually landed at the University of Texas. He grew as did his talent and abilities and Karie and I have followed him closely through the years.

Anyway, Trey made the Olympic Team and will be competing in the Men's Decathalon on August 22nd throughout the day. Say a prayer for Trey and watch him as he competes for the gold!

First Day of School

2008-08-07T17:55:00.001-07:00

Well, it has finally happened. My nest is empty! I no longer have a child not in school. Today, Karie went back to school, Olivia had her first day in second grade and my baby Ella started K4. This was a big day for Ella. If you know her then you know how shy she can be. Her K4 class is just like regular school. They stay all day, eat in the lunchroom, do work/activities, have snack (which ironically was my second favorite subject in school... my favorite was girls), have PE and all kinds of stuff. So the test was early as Karie dropped Ella off for the first time...

And as my baby girl would have it... she walked right up to her teacher and told Karie goodbye (with only a slight hesitation) and began her young academic career in fine form. She's an Andrews' so I don't know what I would have expected otherwise. I just hope she takes after her Uncle Joel.

After school when I asked her how her day was... she replied, "we painted, played on the playground, and I want to go back tomorrow"... to which I replied... "it's a good thing."

Oh, and by the way... Karie and Olivia also had great days. Liv is my social butterfly and once she warms up she's good to go. I can hardly believe she is a second grader. Oh well, somebody's getting old (but don't tell Karie I said that).

Seasons

2008-08-06T06:06:00.000-07:00

As I get older it seems like the seasons run together more and more and they sort of blend together. In Alabama we have the standard southern four seasons... hot, very hot, not so hot and finally somewhat cool. But these seasons are not the ones I've been thinking about lately.

In an effort not to sound too "artsy" or soft, there is a song that I like from the musical RENT. I've never seen RENT and don't know much about it other than the song titled "Seasons of Love". It talks about how we measure seasons... by cups of coffee, by the number of sunrises and sunsets, by friendships and relationships. I have become aware more so lately in my life that there are definitive seasons in each persons life. There is the season of singleness, the season of marriage without children, the seasonal change into parenthood. Our jobs have seasons, our passions have seasons, our habits and routines have seasons. Things in our lives come and go. Friendships in our lives will come and go. It is a part of the process of life.

My recent reminder is that in all seasons... one thing remains. God is the constant. Whether I'm feeling close to Him or far away from Him... He never changes. Whatever season you are in... be reminded that He makes it much more simplistic than we make it. He just wants us to know Him and walk with Him... no strings attached.

The BRICKYARD

2008-07-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

Well, one thing is for sure... Alabama doesn't have the lock on summertime heat. Indianapolis was a great time but man it was HOT! Gary, Shannon and I decided to leave out Friday night instead of Saturday morning and we drove to Louisville and then drove in the rest of the way on Saturday... great call.

The Saturday race activities were a great time but for me the best part was on Sunday. We walked around for a while before the race, watched the live filming of Speed, the race day program, and walked down to the infield and got to see a personal favorite of mine perform... Charlie Daniels. CDB cranked the tunes and finished his set list with a sweet version of "How Great Thou Art" followed by "The Devil Went Down to Georgia". Nice combo if I have to say so myself.

The race was so stinking hot that we left before it was even over in order to beat the traffic. Way too many caution laps to really enjoy it live. Anyway, as I said in a previous post... sometimes its not what you do its who you do it with.

Talladega... here we come!

Where does the time go?

2008-07-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

Its been almost three weeks since I posted last and have been blasted by several close friends because Ive given them nothing to read... just let me remind you that I really am not that important.

Anyway, I still LOVE my somewhat new job at The Foundry. I have hosted several youth groups in the past few weeks (from Baltimore, TN, Chicago & Tampa) through our volunteer office. Its been fun... I get to play youth pastor and all the kids go home at 5. In case you don't have teens... just know this, when traveling as a pack they have a very distinct smell... one that Ive been away from for several months now. But really, I loved it.

Karie, Olivia, & Ella are nearing the end of yet another summer. As I have a new work schedule I have not been around quite as much but we have had our weekends together and every night. It has been a very pleasant change of pace for the Andrews family. Summer vacation... where does the time go?

We have also made a decision recently to move. We've been on Dolly Ridge Road for almost 9 years now and it is time. Karie has done so much painting trying to get our house ready to put on the market. What an incredible mother and wife! We've decided to move to Trussville (here we come D & C). Ella starts to school this year and since all three of the ladies in my life are traveling to S'ville... we decided to put them closer. We are excited. Please pray for this one... its a big deal to me.

Lastly for this post... my redneck upbringing has once again influenced my decision making process. Shannon, Gary and myself are leaving out this afternoon to Indianapolis to the Motor Speedway for this weekends Brickyard 400. Yes I am... NASCAR to the core. Actually, its a lot more about hanging out with great friends that watching some of the nations most loyal sporting enthusiasts scream as there favorite car/driver ride in big circles all afternoon. But anyway, lets go JUNIOR 88!

Be sure to laugh today, smile as often as you can, tell everyone that is special in your life that you love them, and talk to Daddy... He knows.

The Bucket List

2008-07-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Alright, I know I'm a bit behind on my movies but I just got to watch this one over the weekend. The girls were with my sister and Karie and I spent the entire day on Saturday doing absolutely nothing... except rent this winner of a flick for $1.08 from Bruno's. I have known since this movie first came out what the premise was... a list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket.

I had even begun a simple list that included trivial things like watching the Red Sox play in Boston and a few more non-eternal likes that I'd really enjoy before my time is up. But there was a theme within this movie that messed with me. It served as a great reminder to a fact that I know well but often mis-prioritize in the good old day to day.

One of the characters made a statement that went something like this... "It's not the what but the who..." Without sounding like a great line of philosophy from the dear Dr. Suess... I was reminded that it is not nearly as significant of what we do as who we do it with. My list is currently under revision because I had a brief list of things I'd like to do, places I'd like to visit and even a little bit of crazy stuff as well. The truth is... I now have a list of people that I'd like to spend more time with. It really doesn't matter what we do as long as I get to talk and listen.

It's all about the WHO!

4th of July @ Homewood

2008-07-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

Wow! Another exciting night of fireworks... but tonight turned out quite different. This is about the tenth or eleventh year that my family has gathered to watch the fireworks in Homewood. There for a few years we were forced to alter our plans while the good old Vulcan was receiving a little nip & tuck. Anyway, we do it every year we can in the same place... right in the middle of the street in the curve in Homewood.

This year we were all there except for my brother Joel who has just moved to San Francisco and will be watching the fireworks from the Golden Gate Bridge I imagine. As we piled out of the caravan into the land of Patriots we made our way to the all familiar spot just above the ice cream man. Only this year, I barely got my stuff in place (chairs & cooler) before literally being mobbed by some of my students from Metro. There was Jessica, Mia, Caleb, Jacob & Jaida & Jim, Katelyn & Caroline, Nick, Scout, Logan, Aaron, Lucas, Hannah (x2), Emily & Elizabeth, the Potter trio, and others that I have surely forgotten unintentionally. It was awesome to see every one of them. It makes me swell with pride to see them maturing in their faith and in their ability to just not be so dang goofy.

Anyway, as the night progressed my stomach began to hurt almost unbearably. I cooked pizza quesadia's for the girls today and had two myself... coupled with way too much BBQ for dinner and I was brewing a small un-natural disaster. Literally just as the fireworks began I took off in a dead sprint for the closest bathroom I could find. Every store in downtown H'wood was closed right on the dot at 9 o'clock. Finally I ran into my friend Darrell who was outside Starbucks and I begged him to shoot me in the head, heart, or lower abdomen... any way I could get some relief would be perfectly acceptable at that moment. And wouldn't you know it, Starbucks was flipping closed. I grabbed the door with all my might only to be gravely disappointed that the door fought back. In the distance I could hear the bang of the fireworks that I was missing because of the fireworks in my belly. Finally someone opened the door to come out and like a sly lizard... I slithered my way in, past the counter, and down the hall where I met temporary paradise in the men's room.

So, without the details... let's just say that I will not forget this 4th of July... I did however miss almost the entire fireworks show. Good thing we went Wednesday night. I do want to take a moment to say thank you to all of the men and women around the globe that make sure day in day out that I remain a free American. And to all of those who came before me so that I might benefit from their sacrifice... Thanks and God Bless America!

4th of July @ Highlands

2008-07-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Wow! Tonight me and Karie and the girls witnessed one of the best fireworks shows we've ever seen... and it was at church. It was not revival or campmeeting or a good old pentecostal free for all but it was an actual fireworks show. Church of the Highlands went all out to provide an incredible show coupled with free food - hotdogs, popcorn, ice cream and cotton candy(rumored to have been 4,000 hotdogs... which were gone in no time).

We sat on the interstate in traffic and down the main entrance for almost 55 minutes, we missed the entire service because of traffic and if I had to guess I'd say more than 5,000 people were there.

It just fired me up that all of this first class family entertainment happened at church. I have at many times in my life stated that church wasn't the place for entertaining but let me just say that after a full-blown service all of this took place on the lawn. I really don't care what church hosted such an event but the simple fact that any church could have such an evening amazes me. Literally it caused a major traffic jam on the interstate! I wonder how many churches had that kind of problem on a Wednesday night?

Yea God.

Criminal Minds

2008-06-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

A somewhat new word in my almost weekly vocabulary is the word "recidivism". This new word means to relapse especially referring to criminal behavior. In Alabama this year, our prisons will release 10,000 inmates and take in 11,000. Presently, Alabama is home to more than 25,000 men and women in our correctional facilities. A staggering 80% of these inmates have addiction issues and more than 60% are illiterate. Of those 10,000 that will be released in the year 2008... somewhere between 30% and 40% will end up back behind bars. That is mind-boggling... 3,000 to 4,000 will re-offend and end up back in prison...many for the remainder of their natural life.

Oddly enough, many of these men and women are not bad people (not to be mistaken for the hard-core murdering type). But for some reason or reasons, they get caught in a life-rut and can't seem to find their own way out. Many of these men and women have families who love and miss them terribly. Some of them may have lived on your street. Some of them you may have grown up with or even went to school with... maybe you at one time even went to church with them.

I wonder about the thieves that hung next to Jesus? What was their story... did they have families, a one time promising future? What about the guys in prison with Paul & Silas? What bad decisions led them to a cold 8x6? Back to the word "recidivism"... I wonder if spiritual recidivism exists? Is this what happens when someone gets caught in the traps of repetitive sin? Is it bondage? Is it something far deeper than we even like to acknowledge? The truth is that there is an evil one known as Lucifer who is actively seeking to destroy us all. Little by little, over and over again... he wants to destroy and to distract.

Spiritual recidivism?

The Great Outdoors...

2008-06-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well, when Karie and I got married (11 years ago this past June 7th) we talked about how neither of us wanted to have overly girly girls. If you've ever been to our house... you know that we have two of the prissiest and pink girls ever born. It is a barbie-wonderland with more diva-ish paraphanalia than you can imagine... and we would neither change a thing.

With that being said, we went camping as a family for the first time this weekend. June in Alabama and the fam is spending the night in the great outdoors... in a tent, with no AC, no running water (except for the creek) and my father-in-law(Jerry), his wife (Amy), and her 3 boys... Jake (13), Cole (10), and Ryland (8). I've had a crazy and sleepless week already. Three days in Colorado, a late night Thursday, even later night Friday and then we decide to pretend to be the Grizwald's. I am under-prepared for my trip to the jungle. I leave the house without a knife... any dummy knows better than that. I don't pack any snacks... any dummy knows better than that. I don't bring anything except my clothes... any dummy knows better than that. And please allow me to introduce myself... I'm dummy.

I wish you could have seen the tent I took with me. It was a tent that I have had since college and as I remember it... it slept three to four people. As it is in reality... it might sleep two (if they are both under the age of 10 and their combined weight is less than or equal to 75 pounds). I set the tent up and step back and immediately think to myself... "I'm sleeping in the van." Thankfully Jerry had an extra tent. After a day of hiking and grilling and smelling like a campfire mixed with sweat and creek water... I fall asleep in a chair and eventually make it to the tent.

Karie and I get everyone to the bathroom before bedtime and then it is lights out... sort of. Ella asks me "what was that?" To which I replied... "nothing, go to sleep." And then I saw it... it is lightening and then I hear the following thunder. So, I am so tired that I fall asleep in under one minute. Then, what I think is about two or three hours later I am awakened by pouring rain. I don't mean a shower... it is a downpour. About a minute after I wake up I sense that Olivia is awake. Then I hear her crying... she's got to go to the bathroom. I wonder if she realizes that it is flooding outside the 13 millimeters of cloth that we are now calling shelter? Obviously not... she's got to go. So, I dress again with sweaty and dirty clothes and grab my little princess by the hand and escort her to a hole-in-the-ground which some refer to as a restroom. Let me tell you... the only things resting in that place are flies.

So, we eventually get back to bed, finally wake up, eat breakfast, clean, hike, pack and drive back home only to be so exhausted that I am deliriously typing this blog like a dummy. And if you wonder what we'll be doing this coming weekend... we're going camping (the girls loved it).

Cinderella Wedding

2008-06-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

Wow... it's been a month since I've actually written on this thing... thanks for the reminder Sandor. Anyway, lots has happened since I was here last. Back on May 31st the Andrews clan had one of the biggest shin-diggs we've ever had. In fact, it was the biggest ever. My little sister, Bethany, married my new brother-in-law, Jason Jones, in the most beautiful wedding that I have ever performed, been to, or even seen. The entire wedding party (which was huge... in number not in size) either went bare-foot or with flip-flops. I even wore a ministerial robe and flops myself.

Bethany and my dad came in on a carriage. She literally looked like a picture of Cinderella herself. The dude driving the carriage (white domed carriage drawn by a white horse) was decked out in a sweet white tux and top-hat. It was a very magic moment. Olivia read from 1 Corinthians 13, Jamie sang a song from Bethany to my dad, pops did the Communion, and it was just a great family affair.

Not only was it the most beautiful wedding... it was the most fun wedding. At the reception the entire Andrews' family danced until we literally had to pick up the dance floor and put it in Joel's truck to return it to the rental company. Of course... Olivia stole the show.

I am so happy for Bethany & Jason... they are a beautiful couple.

Loving What You Do...

2008-05-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

"Don't ask the question of 'what does the world need?'... instead ask the question, 'what makes me fully alive?'... then go do that because what the world needs most is men and women who are truly alive" Thoughts by John Eldredge, Paraphrase by Micah Andrews

I love being a daddy to two little girls. I love being from Alabama. I love the struggle to continually make my wife feel like she hung the moon. I love connecting the dots with and for other people. I love when people get it! That moment when all of the gears in the lock just click into place... when I play a part in that glassy-eyed look in others eyes because it all just made sense for the first time. I love connecting people to their inner passion.

When I lay down at night, nothing is more fulfilling and gratifying than to know I've spent all waking hours of my day doing what I love to do. My inside world is at peace.

Make a bold move. If you don't know what 'just does it' for you... quit running and stop, look around, make time to figure it out. You deserve to spend your life doing something that matters forever... no matter how small your role may seem or be.

I hope you find what makes you fully alive. Happy Trails.

Two Amazing Mothers...

2008-05-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

I am a blessed man. I have been blessed to have one of the best examples of a Christian in my life... my mother. Dianne Andrews is one of my heros. She is the strongest woman I have ever known. She is a perfect example of compassion, wisdom, and love. She taught me first hand what it means to serve others and put other people before yourself. I watched her do this with her children at school and many of their families. Her wisdom has enriched my own marriage. Her love for God and family has permeated me to the core. Her family is tops in her life and time and time again I have watched her put us before herself. She is a giant in a small physical package. Happy Mother's Day mom.

I have also been blessed with a wife who is an incredible mother. Karie always puts our daughters first. I love to watch her laugh and even more I love to make her laugh. Her smile is magnetic. I thanked God today for her because I am who I am in part because of my wife. She is a strong woman. I guess God knew that it would take the efforts of two amazing women in my life to raise me. I love to watch Karie. She makes me tick. She fires me up and calms me down. On this day that we are supposed to honor our mothers... I honor them both.

Thank you Lord for two amazing women in my life that have helped shape me and mold me into the likeness of Christ.

Delayed Action

2008-05-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

You may remember the book by Bruce Wilkinson that hit the list in 2000 titled, "The Prayer of Jabez"... it ran in the similar current of the WWJD bracelets of previous years. It was the craze and every Christian seemed to catch on to the fact that there was even a book in the Bible called 1 Chronicles. To me, this short read brought a great re-awakening to the beauty contained in the Old Testament.

There was one piece of this prayer that I remember praying vividly... (as I too got caught in the craze of Jabez) "Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory..."

I remember praying that portion of the prayer and personally implying financial enlargement. Maybe I wasn't the only one with this little hidden agenda.

But I believe that I prayed that prayer with a sincere heart, ultimately with the purest of motives, and really asked God to expand me and the places I would go. I realized today that this may be happening right before my eyes. You see, I spent the last twelve years of my life making my own little circle as dynamic as I possibly could. My circle basically consisted of people in my church. Once I took a step to venture outside that circle my territory has been enlarged. Not necessarily financially but in the first three months of my "new adventure" I have met more people than ever before. I actually said today, "I have met more people in the last eight days than I have in the last eight years."

People are awesome. People are interesting. People are full of stories. People are real. There are actually people outside my previous circle that love God as much as those from inside my circle. In an attempt all of my adult life to not live in a sheltered little bubble... I actually lived in a sheltered little bubble. My territory is expanding.

I wonder if He was just waiting on me and I actually caused a delay in the action to the prayer that I prayed more than eight years ago? To be completely honest... who cares? All I know is this piece of the ride is amazing.

Do yourself a favor... meet someone new.

What Time Is It?

2008-05-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in a jam with time? It seems like there is always more to do in a day than there are hours. What about a time crunch? Ever been there? Deadlines are what make the world much more interesting. Due dates are always accompanied by anticipation.

What about the expected due date of your first child? Or maybe the never ending battle of personal finances VS. the stack of bills... followed by the check or payday that is just in the nick of time. Or maybe even the much awaited phone call that you thought would never come. I heard it said once that "timing is much more important to God than time."

Acts 1:7-8 (The Message) says, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses..."

I am reminded this morning to not sweat the time factors of today, or this week, or even of this lifetime. I'm looking for that line that says... "what you'll get is the Holy Spirit."

Would the Real God Please Stand Up?

2008-05-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

Lately I have begun to notice that there are a lot of differing opinions as to who God is. It reminds me of the old TV show that used to ask at the end of the show "Would the real (God) please stand up?" I know that everybody has their own way of looking at God. Each of us got our image of God from some place - our parents, our preacher, from Sunday school, from a magazine, from our own imagination. I see a great divide in the world over what God is really like, primarily into two sides, and they are very different. It makes me wonder what the real God might look like, because if I were to talk to 5 different people, I think I would get 6 different responses to the question of who God is.

The two versions that seem to best categorize the images we have of God are divided on one basic premise: either God is love, and thinks you are the best thing since sliced bread, way worthy of sending His son for, or He is a God that demonstrates His love by looking past your repulsiveness and forgives you, despite your hideous sin, but can't stand the sight of you without looking through Jesus. It boils down to this: one version of God sees us as basically good, the other as basically bad.

It seems an important question to answer - how does God see you? It seems pretty foundational to not only how we see God, but how we relate to Him, to the world, and to life. The picture we have in our heads affects everything about how we 'are' in the world. If God is wrathful, punishing, and angry, we react to that image accordingly. If we see Him as loving, patient, or graceful, we will respond to that image. What we think about God makes or breaks how we relate or don't relate to Him.

Ask yourself for a moment this question; "What is my God like?"

There is probably an answer that comes into your head. You list a bunch of qualities about what you think God is like. Now let me ask a second question; "When life goes really bad, what do you believe about God?" If you are really honest, there might be another picture behind that answer. I find that in my past, 'God' changes quite a bit based on what is going on in my life. When things were great, I saw Him as giving, loving, enduring, patient. When life fell flat on its face, suddenly I wondered if God was distant, angry, disapproving, disappointed. When life was too busy and I felt lost, God was frustrated, waiting for me to get my act together, and a little displeased with me.

In the last year I have had a huge rethink on my image of God, and I have been challenged with the thought "God loves me". I have always believed He loves me, but there has always been a caveat in the sentence. He loves me if I am doing all the religious activities. He loves me if I behave well. He loves me if I am serving Him. But if I am really honest deep down inside, there is always a 'but' in there. My 'but' says that He loves me, but there is something I could do to screw that up. My 'but' says that there must be a limit somewhere - that I could do such and such to make His love stop. Like I am that powerful!

I am finding it really hard to just be with 'God loves me', and that God is really love. So right now that is my spiritual act of worship. I have sorta committed to not move on to anything else until I can fully take that in. No luck so far. It is too overwhelming, and it disrupts too many years of works theology. It leaves me powerless before Him. And I don't like that feeling.

Thoughts by Mike Ege.

Life coaches Mike and Laura Ege challenge people who are tired of shallow, ineffective faith to go beyond the brink of what they've always known and ignite a spiritual journey full of adventure, purpose, and freedom. To learn more about living a spiritual edge-venture and sign up for a FREE email series, '7 Radical Freedoms', visit their site at http://www.OutsideEdgeCoaching.com.

Crossover...

2008-04-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

I love the few games each year when the NL bouts against the AL in MLB. I also love the reality shows that pit celebrities in "out of their place" type environments... such as the new CMT hit show Gone Country. And dare I not mention the episodes of Crossroads that pair such famous acts like Bon Jovi & Sugarland, Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby and Maroon 5 and Sara Evans.

Well, tonight, Karie and I have just returned home from a similar duet matching two completely different worlds of music. We attended with some of our dear friends the Alison Krauss and Robert Plant concert. My take on the whole thing is somewhat different from Karie's. She found ways to remain entertained while I was amazed at the vocals of Alison Krauss, her amazingly talented band and the rock icon Robert Plant.

I was a little star struck to think of the large number of people that have been influenced by one man... Robert Plant. It was cool. To hear some of the great Led Zepplin tunes played in a bluegrassy fashion was a great treat. If you get a chance to see this show... I highly recommend it. Check them out at www.robertplantalisonkrauss.com

Timing Is Everything...

2008-04-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

First of all... this may get a little long so don't say that I didn't warn you. Sixty-one days ago, Karie and I jumped completely into the next chapter of our lives. Having no idea what the next chapter looked like or even where the story would take us we stepped out. All we held to was a promise... "if you trust Me... go."

Today, April 25, 2008 that next chapter began. I accepted the position of Director of Volunteer Services at The Foundry. Trust me, I'll tell you much more about The Foundry in days to come but check it out for yourself at www.thefoundryonline.org

But the journey has been amazing. I have met so many amazing people. My great friend Barry Copeland never ceases to amaze me at how many people he knows and how vast his knowledge is. Barry is a coach, a friend, a voice of stability... and I am forever grateful to Barry and Kathy for their unfailing friendship to my family.

The last two months and one day have been a rollercoaster to say the least. There have been days of solidarity and standing firm on God's promises for my family and there have been days that I have felt completely alone in this thing. There have been days of obedience as well as moments and days of disobedience. I have grown so much in such a short period of time. I have found through talking with several others that my two month journey is relatively short for people changing careers. I actually got to share with a incredibly talented young woman this weekend about our journey and she is on a very similar journey going on eight months now. I guess God knows how long to let us go before He steps in.

I have been reminded that He is so concerned with all of the details of my life. I, at times, have been so close to the trees that I couldn't see the beauty of the forest. I am realizing once again that He is more concerned about us simply walking with Him than He is about all of the big and wonderful things we can do and accomplish in His name. He just wants us to be with Him and try to get to know Him. It really is that simple... yet I have the unique ability to always try to complicate God.

I have struggled with the song "Friend of God" over the last few years because to me it implies that He is ordinary. That song removes some of the mystique and majesty and reverence of the Almighty. I mentally struggle with the fact that He wants to know me in an intimate and friendly way as opposed to a mighty and overbearing kind of way. I guess that's my spiritual baggage. I've fallen guilty of thinking that He is a watchdog watching my every move and even disappointed in me when I fail. I've been guilty of seeing the Creator of heaven and earth with a domineering aspect attached to Him. When in reality He leaves a lot more of this life up to me than I ever imagined. That's not to discount the fact that He is supreme and all of that but more simply to say that He is control of everything and allows me a lot of leeway in how I get to the places He has ordered for me. I guess I really am a friend of God... He literally knows my name.

For my new chapter in life... I could not have laid it out any better or more fitting for myself than He has with the Foundry. I am full of excitement that I have been given this opportunity to use what He has given me for the things that He has set in motion.

For all of you have been full of encouragement and concern for me and Karie... thanks. For all of you who have prayed for us every day... thanks. For all of you who have just been our friends... thanks. I owe you. I love you. I thank God for you. I'll keep you posted on things as they unfold. I start my new job next Thursday, May 1. Karie is thrilled as well and maybe in part because I will no longer be tearing our home apart in one of my many "projects" since I've had all of this time on my hands.

You know who you are... THANKS.

LIFE Interrupted

2008-04-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what people were thinking about just before they died? I know it almost sounds somewhat morbid but I have had thoughts like these many times. Recently when Heath Ledger passed away my mind drifted to a series of thoughts such as... "I wonder what he had planned to do on the following day? Who had he put off calling back because it could wait till tomorrow? Who was the last person he talked to that final night?"

Not only in death but it also occurs to me just about every time I see an automobile accident. Simply because I know that when something like even the mildest fender-bender occurs it can quickly interrupt your previously scheduled events for that day and maybe days to follow. There truly is no convenient time to have a wreck. Well, all of this came flying back to mind just after 12 noon this very day.

I had been down in Bessemer and had just got back into my truck and pulled out onto Hwy. 150. There was little traffic other than a motorcycle police officer in front of me and a red van headed in our direction which proceeded to the turn lane to turn in front of us. I was about 30 yards behind the officer when to my shock, the van turned rather slowly in front of the officer. He hit his brakes and then released them. It appeared that the van had seen him at the last moment and almost stopped but in a flash the van kept coming and hit the officer on the bike. Remember... all of this is right in front of me. I watch as the officer's bike is hurled around and around and the officer himself literally goes flying through the air. I watch in seemingly slow motion as his feet flip over his head and he is launched nearly 30 yards before he lands in a parking lot. I stop immediately and am the first to reach the officer. It was so surreal. I really didn't even realize that anyone else was around. As I stooped down to check on him he was bleeding from his lip, his leg was tucked in behind him, and his right arm was somewhat twisted up over his head.

I had no idea what to say. As I was approaching him I had my phone and a lady shouted at me that she was on the phone with 911. I looked him in the eye and simply asked him his name... he replied Mike. I told him I was Micah and all I could think of was to tell him to be still and not move and that his buddies would be here in just a minute. Boy did I underestimate that time frame. Literally within 90 seconds the first officer arrived only to be followed by about 15 more in the next 2 minutes. Mike and I talked a little more and as the paramedics arrived I stepped back and had that same crazy thought again...

"I wonder who he had just talked to on the phone? Where was he going and was someone waiting on him? I bet he had no idea something like this would happen when he left the house this morning."

It all hit home for me today out on 150. Life can be short. Live it with everything you got!

By the way, Mike is listed in serious condition according to the Bham News. It looked like to me he had an injury to his foot, his shoulder, his arm and his face was busted and bleeding. I think he spit some blood on my brown Sunday shoes... it'll wash off. And here is the craziest part of it all. There were two clowns driving the van. Seriously... they were going to a party or something, dressed as clowns and WHAMO!

A Family Tradition...

2008-04-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

There is a song by the legendary artist, Hank Williams Jr., that is simply titled... Family Traditions. That sums it up for me and my family when it comes to college football. We are just 137 days from the kickoff of ALABAMA football.

All of the naysayers remind me continually that Alabama fans live in the past... you want to know what I think... it's because we have a past. The tradition and rich heritage of college football in Tuscaloosa is paved with top-shelf athletes and victories that make even the best teams envious.

There is a feeling I get every fall when the weather begins to change simply because I know it means that me and my brother and my dad are on the precipice of one of our favorite family traditions. Whether we are at the game, huddled around a tube somewhere or even if we have to miss the game itself due to some crisis that pulls us away... we always find a way to merge our Crimson experience into a conversation. We've sat, or stood, in the student section for some of the greatest games of all times and watched as we held our breath during some of the most spectacular plays in football history unfolded right before our eyes. We've paid $100 for a ticket and we've even paid $2 for a ticket (that was for the AL vs. Georgia game back when I was in high school). We've even been known to work a concession stand or two just to be in the shrine built for the Bear.

There's nothing like spending time with family. It's my favorite thing to do. So when the time rolls aroiund each fall... on just about any given Saturday... you cn find the Andrews' men cheering faithfully for the Crimson Tide. But beware... if your sitting anywhere in our general area near the end of a Bama victory... don't be offended if you hear a loud rendition of Rammer Jammer.

Roll Tide Roll.

Die Hard

2008-04-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

It is hard to imagine that John McClane has been the poster child for disturbed officers of the law for twenty years. That's right... Die Hard turns 20 in July. Love em or hate em... they were exciting. The great thing about each of Bruce Willis' movies is that he always has one great line in each of the four Oscar nominated flicks.

O.K.... I have no idea of any of them were ever nominated for anything or not but in a similar manner of the great lines from these features, today I heard a great quote from my own father. He was referring to a friend of his who is very sick and actually dying. The man has lived a good and full life and is literally clinging to each breath. Anyway, today as I talked to my dad he said something along these lines... (referring to the sick friend)

"He is actually fighting for each breath. Just when you think he's drawn his last he just keeps on hanging in there."

And here is my favorite part of what my dad said...

"You know, there's just something special about men like him, they are men who have experienced war, they've fought for their country and for their own lives... maybe that's why it is so hard for them to die."

What a way to be seen! I have never met the guy but I admire him like crazy. When my time comes... God, let that be said of me... "Micah was such a fighter that he just doesn't want to let go." And no, not a fighter in the sense of couldn't get along with other people or fighter in the sense of like actually hitting or getting hit (that is definitely not for me... I hate getting punched) but I mean I want to be remembered as a fighter, someone who stood my ground, didn't budge in the face of adversity, and who would stand by his clan till death. I'm getting head images of Braveheart...

What an honorable way to live. A man who was willing to fight for his faith, his God, his family, his country and for his own existence.

Maybe we should choose today what is worth fighting for instead of what is worth fighting over.

Sweet Home Alabama

2008-04-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Back in 1974, Ronnie and the boys probably had no idea that what they had just written would influence just about every high school male (and most females) from Bayou La Batre to the Redstone Arsenal for at least the next 35 years. I've said many times, "There's just something about that guitar riff following a 1-2-3" that just makes make blood pressure rise.

Well, it appears that I am not the only one moved by the anthem from the boys of Jacksonville. Maybe, just maybe, there's a little red-neck deep down inside each and everyone of us. Check these guys out... (be sure to read the caption... it'll make more sense).

http://www.tothepointnews.com/content/view/3114/85/

P.S. If you can't click on the link, copy & paste it into your address bar... it'll be worth it.

American Idol... Really?

2008-04-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

It's sad... but it's true. My girls know that Tuesday night and Wednesday night are American Idol nights. Olivia knows them all and keeps me and Karie in tune with what's happening. We all have our favorites and who we hope will win it all. Over the past few seasons we have all come to know and expect what the judges will say...

Randy says "it was pitchy for me dog"
Paula says "we love you and I love you and you were true to yourself and that's all that matters."
And Simon says "dreadful... a complete mess"

And we love it, we are entertained by it, and we feel like we are actually a part of it all.

And then there was the Idol Gives Back Show that literally just went off a few minutes ago. This is my favorite night of the year because of all of the good that takes place. But as the closing number tonight I found it odd that the final contestants sang "Shout to the Lord". I hate to say this in the "public domain" for any and every one to read but... I'm one of those guys who does not like it normally when a Christian song such as we heard tonight is done in such a secular venue. It just makes me a bit uncomfortable. To me it is like Fergie singing "Amazing Grace" or Jessica Simpson singing "The B.I.B.L.E" or Britney Spears singing "I'll Fly Away" and on and on... it just doesn't fit for me. It comes across to me as a "token Jesus song".

It is in cases like these that I would love to have heard the discussion by the producers which actually chose this song for tonight. I would love to have been privy to the thought process. But either way, I can live with it or without it. Here's my biggest gripe of the whole entire thing... (if you didnt see it be glad)...

At the very end, after this climatic song (Shout to the Lord), the screen goes blank and in walks Ben Stiller. He has a brief dialogue where he proceeds to say... "Alright Seacrest... you are such a ___(f-bomb)___."

Point and case for the times we live in. Shout to the Lord and six bleeped out vulgar words that our own media sensors have deemed unspeakable on television.

American Idol... Really?

I Go Back... the formative years.

2008-04-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how a song can take you somewhere? I mean just the first few bars of the opening theme to Rocky and I'm ready to hit the ring. And my all-time favorite anthem... there's just something special about the first four notes to Sweet Home Alabama... it just does something to me (it appeals to my "rough side"). The same can be said of two country songs... "I Go Back" by Kenny Chesney and "19 Something" by Mark Willis. Everytime I hear those two songs my mind drifts away in a cathartic trance to a simplistic way of living. I just decided to put a few of those "glory days" thoughts out here to see if anybody could relate.

Favorite Songs of my Early Years -
"Say, Say, Say" - Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson, "Welcome to the Jungle" - Guns & Roses, "Angel in the Centerfold" - J. Geils Band (and back then I had no idea what that was about), "R.O.C.K. in the USA" - the Boss, "Pink Houses" - John Cougar Mellencamp, "Sister Christian" - Night Ranger, "99 luft balloons" - Nena, "Red, Red, Wine" - UB40, "Straight Up" - Paula Abdul, "Girl You Know It's True" - Milli Vanilli, "Wild Thing" - Tone Loc, and absolutely anything by the following: Warrant, Great White, Whitesnake, Poison, Motley Crue, Cinderella, Winger, White Lion, Skid Row, Def Leppard, Firehouse, and Tesla.

With the musical influence that these bands and individuals had on me it is truly amazing that I didn't keep my stylish mullet.

Favorite TV Shows of my Early Years -
Hands down number 1 is "Dukes of Hazzard" (the show, not the movie... I refused to see the knock-off movie version), "The A Team", "Miami Vice", "Friday Night Videos", "Night Trax", "Family Ties", "Riptide", "Simon & Simon", "Magnum P.I.", "Night Court", & "Cheers".

Favorite Movies of my Early Years -
"Young Guns I & II", "Footloose", "Platoon", "Coming to America", all of the "Indiana Jones", "Karate Kid", and "Police Academy" movies & "The Blues Brothers".

Just remember... in an odd sort of way, these are the things that molded and fashioned a generation into what we are today. Maybe that explains it all. Hope this was a pleasant stroll for you as well.

Fishing on the Sabbath

2008-04-06T19:30:00.001-07:00

Today I had one of the most fulfilling dates I have had in a long time. While my wife was at home on the couch... I snuck away for a great time with two other women. These two ladies have my heart in a way that no one does... Olivia & Ella are more of momma's girls than they are daddy's girls but there is just that God breathed connection between a daddy and his daughters.

We went to the final weigh in down at the Civic Center for the FLW fishing tournament. The girls fished on simulated lakes, we rode a sweet fishing boat simulator and they played and had a blast. The funniest part to me is that they have professional anglers everywhere signing baseball cards... but they are fishing people cards. They sign them and people collect them and everything. Next to my recent Nascar induction this ranks up there pretty high on my "You might be a RedNeck" list.

And here is the best part. In the world that we live in I have come to realize that celebrity status allows you a crossover into almost any genre of event. Would you believe that at the center of the FLW Outdoors marketing ploy is the old familiar face of none other than Hulk Hogan. His picture is everywhere and I couldn't help but laugh that Olivia and Ella had no idea who this guy is. Once I told Olivia who he was she kept calling him Honk Hogan... that made me laugh out loud.

Here's my recommendation to all of the fathers in the world... do something rediculous with your children every chance you get. No matter what you do or where it is... you get the rewards much more than they do.

Daddy time ROCKS!

Me, Myself, and I and the One Armed Bandit...

2008-04-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

I have been re-reading the book "Blue Like Jazz". I must admit that I spot read this book the first time around and if I am totally truthful about it... I only read it because other people that I admired said that they had read it. I know... shallow. But as I listened as Donald Miller opened up his little world, the theme that struck me the most was this idea of self love.

He mentions throughout the pages that his biggest problem is that he loves himself more than he loves anyone else. He makes reference to the fact that others in our world have the same issues and that if we could fix the BIGGEST problems of being so self-centered and self-focus that many of the other social issues would simply fade away.

As I kept coming back to this I kept asking myself the question... "Do I love me more than anyone else?" That's almost ridiculous to even ask because I am a Christian. My journal entry from February 1996 reminds me that I made a priority list that put God first, others second, and myself last. I wrote it down... in pen... so that makes it a fact of my personal reality. Or does it?

I have a wife and two amazing daughters... surely I put them before myself. On the inside, I have committed my life to serving other people... by default I surely put their lives before my own... don't I?

God's Word says something about if I want to truly live then I must give up my own life for His life... and that is very loosely paraphrased. But how much of my day is all about me? What about those pleasure points throughout each day that are strictly designed by me, for me? At the core of everything I do... even when I do help someone else, is my motive to truly serve them or is there a part of it all that gratifies my inner man and could it be that part of me that even causes me to help someone else?

Is my greatest effort to serve God tied somehow to a benefit that I may receive? Miller says this is treating God like a slot machine... we pull the arm down in hopes of getting lucky in the eyes of God. That makes me tired. It is exhausting to try to fill a day full of things all about me. I'm tired of being tired.

God... please help me tomorrow to not feed my own ego. Help me tomorrow to be a real man after your own heart. After all, this story has many characters and I am not the main one.

Band of Brothers

2008-04-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

I love a great war movie... give me a series of five and I'm set for the week. Band of Brothers was just that kind of series for me. It's been a few years since I watched the entire series but every once in a while I catch a piece of one of the episodes on the History Channel (now so affectionately known as History... they dropped the words THE & CHANNEL... seriously).

I'm not sure if it is the violence, the portrayal of an actual historic moment, the underlying story within a story or just the title itself that appeals to me the most but even if you have never seen the series... the title says it all.

Band of Brothers.

I have been priveledged over my lifetime to have had several bands of brothers. When I was in high school there were six of us. We had affectionate nicknames for one another such as bullet-head (that was me), spud, big russ & mush. Now that I think of it... we had names for each of our cars and trucks. Then again in college I had a larger band of brothers that all answered to the name of snagger. And yes, even as a semi-grown man I have also had a band of brothers... the MEN I served with for the better part of the last twelve years.

In each of these phases of life there have been common threads that spread throughout. In every band... one would have done anything for the others. There was always a selflessness involving each man in his own way. In every band... no matter how much time had seperated us, we never had to catch up... we always had that timeless bond. In every band... each played a very specific role towards the others. In every band... we lived life to its fullest... together... unconditionally.

In the last few weeks I have rediscovered a philosophy that has gripped my soul. It comes from chapter 11 in the book by John Eldredge, "Wild at Heart". It says...

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

What the world needs most is MEN who are fully alive. Alive in Jesus. Walking, laughing, running, seeking, honoring, loving God with everything that is within them... fully alive. Forget performance and requirements and all of the expectations of those around us just long enough to grab hold of what it means to be ALIVE! Breath in the fullness of what God has placed around us. Listen for the undertones of life... the beautiful bass line that drives the rhythm of your passions. Stop long enough to grab the hand of a brother who is drowning in their own mess.

What everyman needs is a band of brothers. Come to think of it... Jesus had a nice little band of brothers.

The Shack... (sounds like a great Alabama BBQ place)

2008-04-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

I normally don't post twice on the same day but I am way behind of what I want to share. My computer doctor just informed me this morning that I needed a transplant of the hard drive so I am back at the library today. (To all of my new friends at CC-Nash... glad you are here today).

I have just added a link under the "bloggers r us" section to a book I have just finished called The Shack. When you get a chance go check it out.

I just want to pass on a few lines that inspired me personally as I read this fictional book by William P. Young... I hope you find it interesting.

(this is written from the perspective of God having a conversation with this guy named Mack)

"Humans try to control behavior largely through expectations... because I have no expectations, you never disappoint me."

"I don't just want a piece of you and a piece of your life. Even if you were able, which you are not, to give me the biggest piece, that is not what I want. I want all of you and all of every part of you and your day. I don't want to be first among a list of values; I want to be at the center of everything. When I live in you, then together we can live through everything that happens to you."

ENJOY!

Once Upon A Time...

2008-04-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why the greatest stories of our childhood began with the phrase, "Once Upon A Time?" I mean why do the characters in these stories get to live out all of the most glorious adventures only once? In fact, who says "they" get to live the adventure and get sole rights to the rewards? And again... why only once?

What a let down it must be for these "people" to only get one shot at greatness. What does Prince Charming have to look forward to after he has saved the Princess? It's all downhill from this point.

So to myself, the question is... Have I cashed in my "once upon a time" card already and I have just not realized it? In reality... do you even get more than one great story to be a part of? I think we do. I think the greatest stories ever to be told have yet to even be recorded. I hope in the thought of being like that wild, untamed stallion that gets to run wild and free in the greatest and greenest fields... wind blowing, heart pounding, adventurous running... until you collapse kind of journey... that's what I am looking for. And once I've done it... I want to turn around and do it again... and again... and again... and you get the point.

One of my favorite passages of scripture says, "God has a plan for me... a plan to prosper me and give me hope and a future..." That translates to me that there is always more out there. More stories to be written. More life to be lived. More adventurous journeys just waiting for me to explore.

So, have I lived the best days of my story already? Not a chance.

Easter Retail?

2008-03-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

I know that the largest shopping day of the year is the Friday after Thanksgiving. I also know that I avoid all shopping experiences on that particular day. I have these flashbacks of News reports that show images of people being trampled entering the mall at pre-dawn hours and that just does not appeal to me. Having briefly worked in retail I also know that many retailers plan for months if not the better part of a year for that one day. Sales are through the roof... they move merchandise at break-neck speeds... everyone is exhausted at the end of the day... and many consumers arrive back home broke, physically spent, and emotionally hungover.

It's the biggest shopping day of the year!

But what about life in the church world? I have spent the last twelve years of my life preparing annually for the "biggest spiritual shopping day of the year". We refer to it as Easter. As an insider in the church industry I have been acutely aware that there will be people (lost people) who will go to church on Easter Sunday who will never walk in on a regular weekend during the remainder of the year. So what do many of "us" do? We market our product, we plan and prepare for the biggest shopping day of the year, and all with the hope that our spiritual-sales receipts are among the highest to date.

Here's my tension point: To whom much is given... much is required. So if you attend or serve at a church who does things big, then you probably experienced a big Easter Sunday presentation which may have included music, drama, and maybe even an imitation Jesus, covered in blood, walking with a cross and eventually bustin' up out of da tomb! I love it. I love how we attempt to replay the story (really I do, please don't read any sarcasm on this one). I know that God blesses churches with an attitude of excellence and expects excellence each and every week.

But what about all of the other Sunday's in a year? Do we slack off our edge of excellence because it is just "another Sunday"? I must admit that I wonder what Jesus himself thinks when we do our "Easter rituals"... don't get me wrong... we hide Easter eggs at my house, we still make-up a downplayed version of the Easter bunny and baskets and the like... but what does He think about when He sees us in our worship?

On the ONE day that should be the most important day of celebration and remembrance for all believers... how do we treat Him? How do we honor the Son of God?

So where is all of this coming from? This Easter Sunday was the first in many years that I did not have a "responsibility" on Easter Sunday morning. As I woke up and watched my girls open their baskets my mind began to rest on this thought... "Today, keep it simple. Set my eyes, heart, and thoughts on the Jesus that loves me more than I could ever imagine." Let all of the pageantry and pomp fall away and just look for Him.

Hopefully, around the world, yesterday was the biggest spiritual retail day of the year... I just hope the consumers got what they were looking for.

The Evidence of Things Not Seen...

2008-03-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

All of my life (at least the parts I actually remember) I have heard people say that "we live by faith and not by sight" but what does that actually mean? I mean I understand that my faith & hope in God is something that I just believe in and depend on even when I can't see Him... but really what is faith? Blind trust? My optimistic view of my little life in this BIG world? Maybe it is jumping without knowing what's below... or even needing to know. Why is it that we use the word FAITH when we describe our overall experience as a believer... for example; "My faith is very important to me."--- I actually said that to someone today and just began to wonder why I used it that particular way.

Here's a good definition... "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living." (Hebrews 11:1, The Message).

And how do faith and reality live together? I believe I have a complete kind of faith. I mean I completely believe that God is who He said He is, He will completely do what He said He would do, and that He completely loves and adores me... even with all of my junk.

But what happens when my faith gets a little crazy? Like I believe He's gonna come through for me when I just can't imagine how? I know Him well enough to consider Him more than faithful... but sometimes things look very bleak.

Maybe I'm not the only one who views the Almighty with this irrational perspective (in fact I know I'm not alone on this one). I guess faith sometimes goes directly against my better, human-judgement. Maybe faith even goes against what everything inside me says are the facts. Maybe... just maybe that's what makes it faith... the firm foundation underneath everything.

William P. Young says in The Shack... "There are times when you choose to believe something that would normally be considered absolutely irrational. It doesn't mean that it is actually irrational, but it surely is not rational. Perhaps there is suprarationality: reason beyond the normal definitions of fact or data-based logic; something that only makes sense if you can see a bigger picture of reality. Maybe that is where faith fits in."

Here's what I know. I trust Him. He's never left me before and I don't see Him leaving me now. He didn't bring me this far to leave me.

And here's the best part... He isn't going to leave you either. Trust Him.

The Last 15 Days

2008-03-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

Wow... I almost forgot my own password. It has been more than two weeks since I've been on here simply because my computer has died or partially died... it is still in the process of being resurrected. In the meantime, I have joined the faithful few each day at the Hoover Public Library to simply check my email. The greatest set back is that you only have 60 minutes each day to work and then the system kicks you out. I am forced to utilize my new office space and time in the office with the utmost fruitfulness... (only 16 minutes left today).

Anyway, the last 15 days have been a ride to say the least. Days of anxiety followed by Karie and I seeing God's hand of provision and peace work in us like never before. My favorite thought from a week ago is simple..."In a time when we should be devastated... we are calm." Mind you that we are not to be credited with this one... we know where our peace comes from.

I mentioned "a time when we should be devastated"... let me explain. I have been unemployed for almost a month... (which translates in Spanish as... no income). I actually accepted a job here in BHAM and then about three days before I thought I would start work... the man who was about to hire me (Executive Director of a Christian non-profit) was actually let go from his job. Now we were both on the employment trail. Freaky almost but Karie and I have prayed very specifically from the beginning for God to "open the right doors and close the wrong doors." Anyway... closed door.

Each day since then has been filled with excitement of talking with some amazing people. I have turned over more "job-rocks" than I ever knew existed. Again, all we know is that God spoke to us about taking a chance and trusting Him in a new way and we did. The rest is truly in His hands and oddly enough it is fun.

Also within the last 15 days I have enjoyed some non-spiritual things as well. I hooked up with an old roommate from college and enjoyed my first NASCAR experience at Bristol this past weekend. And to think I was ever referred to as a red-neck. WOW at the style involved in a racing weekend. Anyway, I had a blast... the smells of the raceway, the sounds of the cars, the pageantry and adrenaline were almost more than a man can endure in one weekend.

So today... still in His hands, loving NASCAR, turning over "job-rocks", hanging out @ the Library with only a very few seconds left on my time at the computer and (times up).....